By Obiabin Onukwugha
The Nigerian Army says its troops have arrested 50 suspected in its continued effort to rid the Niger Delta region of crude oil thieves.
Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt Col Danjuma Danjuma, disclosed this to journalists in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He stated that the Nigerian Army was able to achieve success in the Niger Delta through the efforts of its troops in the region.
According to him, the operation was a collaborative synergy with other security agencies and were conducted at different fronts with other security agencies between 30 June and 13 July 2025 in Rivers State, Delta, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States.
Danjuma said the latest operations led to the dismantling of eleven illegal refining sites, arrest of 50 suspected oil thieves, confiscation of 25,000 litres of stolen products, and the discovery of several compromised illegal connection points.
“In the operations that ensued in Rivers State, troops sustained the clampdown on attempts to re-establish new illegal bunkering hubs, including dismantling existing camps.
“Several clearance operations were conducted along the Imo River, with seven illegal refining sites, 35 drum pots, fourteen drum receivers, three big coolants destroyed, and over 6,000 litres of crude oil recovered.
“These recoveries were made around Obuzor and Ozaa West in Ukwa West and Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Abia and Rivers States respectively.
At Obiafor in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, an illegal refining site was dismantled, with dugout pits filled with 3,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 2,000 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and 1,000 litres of crude oil handled in line with operational mandate.
“Additionally, a reservoir stocked with over 3,000 litres of chemicals used for the criminal venture, and five sacks containing 100 and 150 litres of stolen AGO and DPK respectively, were recovered.
“This was in addition to three suspected oil thieves apprehended, a 300-metre plastic hose, and fourteen metal drums handled appropriately. There were also seizures around Okarki Forest in Ahoada West LGA, with numerous holding facilities dismantled,” Danjuma said.
He revealed that the troops also recovered a speed boat and stolen products in Delta State.
“In Delta State, along Jeddo waterways in Warri South LGA, one speedboat and a locally made wooden boat, both loaded with 86 sacks containing over 1,720 litres of stolen products, were deactivated.
“Troops also raided a store at Obiaruku Community in Ukwuani LGA and discovered 24 jerricans of 25 litres filled with illegally refined AGO. At the creek along Ugbokodo, also in Warri South LGA, a locally made wooden boat stocked with stolen products was intercepted by the troops,” the acting Deputy Director further stated.
Danjuma also informed that in Bayelsa State, troops made determined efforts to curtail the activities of oil thieves. “This led to the seizure of a wheelbarrow and a 70-kg gas cylinder at Ikarama in Yenagoa LGA. The ancillary equipment was said to be primed for use to compromise pipelines for oil theft.
At Angiama Community in Southern Ijaw LGA, several litres of stolen products were confiscated with suspects taken into custody,” he said.
In Akwa Ibom State, Danjuma pointed out that troops raided a warehouse at Ukanafun LGA, where fifteen jerricans filled with illegally refined AGO were uncovered.
“Troops have continued to dominate the waterways and hinterland, effectively denying economic saboteurs and other criminals freedom of action in the NDR,” Danjuma stated.