Troops Arrest 19 Oil Thieves, Dismantle 22 Illegal Bunkering Sites, Recover ₦150m Worth of Stolen Products

By our Correspondent

Troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, working in close collaboration with other security agencies, have continued to assert operational dominance across the Niger Delta Region (NDR), effectively denying criminal elements the freedom to operate.
According to a press statement signed by the Army Public Relations Officer (APRO) and made available to journalists, a series of coordinated operations led to the arrest of 19 suspected oil thieves, the destruction of 22 illegal refining sites, and the recovery of over 180,000 litres of stolen petroleum products valued at more than One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (₦150,000,000).

The operations, carried out between November 23 and December 28, 2025, targeted oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and related criminal activities across the NDR.
Bayelsa State Operations
In Bayelsa State, troops dismantled an illegal refining site at Siebu Creek in Ogbienbiri, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area (LGA), where a massive reservoir containing over 75,000 litres of stolen crude oil was discovered alongside a pumping machine.
Similarly, multiple operations around Biseni in Yenagoa LGA resulted in the deactivation of several illegal refining sites and the recovery of more than 17,000 litres of stolen products. At Okarki waterside in Ogbia LGA, troops intercepted a large Cotonou boat concealed along the riverbank and loaded with 37 sacks containing 2,775 litres of stolen crude oil.
Rivers State Operations
In Rivers State, troops uncovered 350 sacks holding over 10,500 litres of stolen crude oil at Ogale Community in Eleme LGA. At Okarki Forest in Ahoada West LGA, two illegal refining sites were destroyed, with over 3,000 litres of stolen crude recovered from reservoirs and sacks.
Another major operation at Orashi Forest in Abua/Odual LGA led troops to trace a hose extending over nine kilometres to four illegal refining sites. The sites contained four large ovens with a combined capacity of 120,000 litres, receivers, and dugout pits stocked with more than 7,000 litres of crude oil. A pumping machine and five large reservoirs were also destroyed.
At Okolomade in Abua/Odual LGA, troops confiscated 31 sacks containing 2,325 litres of stolen crude concealed in bushes along the Okomade–Otuasega Road.
Troops also acted on intelligence regarding an attempt to sabotage a pipeline around Gbonga Forest in Bonny Island LGA. Swift response led to the recovery of items including rubber hoses, a shovel, a manifold valve head, waterproof nylon bags, a 9.9-horsepower Yamaha engine, and four 25-litre jerricans.
Additional seizures were made in Okrika LGA, Omerelu in Ikwerre LGA, and OML 18 Alakiri, resulting in the recovery of over 6,000 litres of condensates.
Delta State Operations
In Delta State, troops intercepted a truck with registration number SAG 292 XB along the Asaba–Benin Expressway in Agbor while it was discharging 45,000 litres of diverted petroleum products into a Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) pit.
Acting on further intelligence, troops raided an illegal bunkering site behind Deeper Life Camp in Sapele LGA, arresting two suspects and recovering 104 sacks containing more than 2,600 litres of stolen crude oil.
During routine patrols near the Otorogu Gas Plant in Ughelli South LGA, troops intercepted two vehicles—Delta PTN 140 AA and a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number Anambra AWK 302 ZD—transporting illegally refined condensates concealed in sacks and jerricans. The products, estimated at 1,475 litres, led to the arrest of two suspects.
Akwa Ibom State Operations
In Akwa Ibom State, troops sustained visible operational presence, leading to the discovery of a warehouse stockpiled with illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) at Ikot Ntuen Village in Abak LGA. Twenty jerricans filled with stolen AGO were recovered.
Command Commendation
Commending the troops for their successes, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, charged them to maintain the momentum against economic saboteurs.
He also called on residents of the Niger Delta Region to continue supporting the ongoing crackdown on criminal networks whose activities undermine critical national infrastructure and economic stability.