Troops conducting anti-oil theft operations in the Niger Delta have recovered over 30,000 litres of stolen products, arrested 46 suspects, and deactivated 23 illegal refining sites between June 9 and 29, 2025.
This was achieved through coordinated operations across Bayelsa, Rivers, Abia, Akwa Ibom, and Delta States during the period.
The operation also facilitated the seizure of locally fabricated arms and vehicles and other tools used in the illegal oil trade.
According to the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the operations were carried out in synergy with other security agencies to curb crude oil theft and related crimes in the Niger Delta Region.
In Bayelsa State, troops raided areas around Biseni Community and Adibawa in Yenagoa Local Government Area (LGA). During the operation, nine large cooking pots, 16 drum pots, four receivers, and four drum coolants were destroyed, with over 6,000 litres of stolen crude oil recovered.
Two suspects were also arrested at Otuoke in Ogbia LGA, found in possession of two locally fabricated pistols and 9mm rounds.
In Rivers State, troops uncovered six illegal refining sites around the Kilometre 45 general area of Degema LGA, confiscating over 5,000 litres of stolen crude.
At Kula 1 in Akuku-Toru LGA, another illegal site was dismantled, where four cooking ovens, four receivers, and four drums containing over 2,500 litres of stolen Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) were handled appropriately.
Four suspects linked to the activities were apprehended.
Further clearance operations along the Imo River, covering Obuzor and Okoloma general areas in Ukwa West and Oyigbo LGAs of Abia and Rivers States, led to the destruction of six illegal refining sites.
Troops also destroyed 32 drum pots, nine drum receivers, and recovered ten sacks containing over 2,000 litres of crude oil.
In Akwa Ibom State, troops raided a warehouse in Ukanafun LGA, seizing 131 nylon bags filled with over 3,930 litres of suspected stolen petroleum products.
Additionally, in the Ebughu area of Mbo LGA, seven 30-litre jerricans filled with over 300 litres of illegally refined AGO were intercepted.