Troops recover over 67,000 litres of stolen products from oil thieves

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Troops recover over 67,000 litres of stolen products from oil thieves

Troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army have carried out significant operations across the Niger Delta region between 14 and 20 April 2025, resulting in the dismantling of 16 artisanal refineries, the arrest of 23 suspected oil thieves and other criminal elements, as well as the recovery of arms and ammunition. Additionally, over 62,000 litres of stolen crude oil and more than 5,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, AGO, were recovered.

In a statement released on Sunday evening, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the division, noted that the operations yielded notable successes across the South-South region.

In Bayelsa State, troops intensified efforts around Adibawa Oando Wellhead in Yenagoa Local Government Area, leading to the deactivation of four illegal refining sites. At the scene, troops discovered and confiscated three large, concrete-reinforced dug-out pits containing over 35,000 litres of stolen crude oil. Additionally, they recovered more than 2,500 litres of illegally refined AGO, a wellhead valve, and several pumping machines. The criminal operation involved an 80-metre-long pipe connected to the wellhead, used to siphon crude oil.

Along the Gbarain-Zarama Road, also in the local government area, troops intercepted several tricycles transporting stolen petroleum products and apprehended two suspected oil thieves linked to the operation.

In Rivers State, clearance operations along the Imo River resulted in the dismantling of six artisanal refineries. Troops seized 30 drum pots, 24 drum receivers, and 1,100 sacks filled with over 22,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in Obuzor, Ukwa West LGA, Abia State and Okoloma, Oyigbo LGA, Rivers State.

In Okrika Creek, acting on human intelligence, troops recovered a wooden boat laden with over 2,500 litres of stolen crude oil, believed to have been siphoned from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC Jetty in Okrika. In the Kula general area (Akuku-Toru LGA), three buyers and three sellers of stolen petroleum products were arrested. Their apprehension led to the interception of three tugboats and one fibre boat, all loaded with over 1,500 litres of illegally refined AGO stored in jerricans.

Operations at Obohia Road to Obrikom Waterside in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA led to the interception of a wooden boat filled with sacks of stolen products. Further seizures were made in Okwuzi, also in the local government area, and Okarki Forest in Ahoada West LGA.

In Delta State, troops raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout around Rhobot City, Ibuzu Road in Asaba, and Iselle Azagba Community in Aniocha LGA. During the operations, two suspected kidnappers were apprehended, and a cache of dangerous weapons was recovered. These included two pump-action rifles, one double-barrelled gun, one Dane gun, and 56 cartridges. Other items recovered were 13 cutlasses, one military boot, one camouflage headgear, one axe, a black bag, four fraternity berets, a jacket, and a pack containing four arrows and various charms.

In Warri South, troops discovered and dismantled an illegal refining site, seizing three cooking pots, an unspecified quantity of illegally refined AGO, and three drums containing over 600 litres of stolen crude oil.

In Akwa Ibom State, troops continued to dominate the operational theatre, effectively denying criminal elements the freedom to operate.

Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, General Officer Commanding the Nigerian Army 6 Division, has reassured troops that their welfare remains a priority. He urged them to maintain the momentum in combating economic sabotage and related crimes in the region.