By Obiabin Onukwugha
The Nigerian Army says it has recorded significant feat in its crackdown against oil theft in the Niger Delta region. According to the Army, the ongoing Anti-Crude Oil Theft (COT) operations, conducted by troops of its 6 Division, in collaboration with other security agencies, are making steady progress, as it confiscates over 32,000 litres stolen crude and arrested dozens.
It said that between 11 and 24 August 2025, significant operational successes were recorded, including the deactivation of nine illegal refining sites, the arrest of 69 suspects for oil theft and related offences, as well as the confiscation of over 32,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Leut Col Danjuma Jonah, revealed this in a statement in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Monday.
It stated that in Delta State, anti-COT operations led to the interception of two trucks loaded with over 15,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) at Sapele LGA.
“Three suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures. At One Man Village in Sapele, troops recovered 16 cellophane bags filled with illegally refined AGO, while at Nana Town in Warri North, several drums and four jerricans of illegally refined AGO were uncovered,” the army said.
It further stated that in Rivers State, at Kilometre 45 in Degema local government area, troops deactivated three illegal refining sites, recovered over 7,000 litres of stolen products, and seized a wooden boat. “Similarly, in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, troops intercepted two wooden boats loaded with eight sacks of stolen condensates.
“Additionally, a dugout pit containing over 1,500 litres of condensate was discovered near an identified illegal connection point. At Izuoma Community around Sampson Estate in Oyigbo, over 1,500 litres of stolen products were also recovered. Relatedly, at Akankurma Okoloma in Okrika, troops dismantled an illegal refining site and confiscated a drum pot, a receiver, and five drums filled with over 1,500 litres of stolen crude. Three suspects were arrested in connection with the offences,” the statement read in part.
In a separate operation around Ataba in Andoni LGA, according to the Army, troops seized one fibre boat, one cooking pot, ten-inch pipes, and five valves, adding, “seizures were also made along Imo River, where over 2,000 litres of stolen products were recovered in an operation that led to the deactivation of two illegal refining sites, four drum pots, and two receivers around Obuzor and the Oyigbo general area.”
Meanwhile, in Bayelsa State, troops uncovered an illegal refining site around Biseni in Yenagoa LGA, where two large reservoirs filled with over 7,000 litres of stolen crude were discovered.
“This was in addition to five drums and receivers destroyed at the site. Where as in Akwa Ibom State, troops dominated the operational area, effectively denying criminal elements the freedom to operate. All the suspects taken into custody, were handed over to the appropriate security agencies for prosecution, while products confiscated are handled inline with existing operational mandate,” the statement read.
