Troops Seize Over 70,000 Litres Of Stolen Products In Niger Delta

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In a joint operation with other security agencies, the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army seizes 70 000 litres of stolen goods as part of efforts to stop oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta.

Between January 27 and February 2, 2025, the troops destroyed 12 illegal refining sites, arrested 16 suspected oil thieves, demobilized six boats, and intercepted nine vandalized pipelines.

These were disclosed in a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division, Army Public Relations. He emphasized the military’s commitment to maintaining operations and ensuring a secure environment for legitimate economic activities.

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The statement explained that during operations in Rivers State, troops intercepted two suction trucks, each carrying 12, 000 litres of stolen crude, along the Igwuruta-Airport Road in Ikwerre Local Government Area.

Along the same route, further intelligence revealed a storage facility for more than 10,000 litres of stolen goods in a scrap yard. In addition, clearance operations around the Imo River resulted in the destruction of three illegal refining sites, 43 cooking drum pots, 23 receivers, and three fibre boats.

Troops also recovered over 4, 000 litres of stolen products in Obigbo, Oyigbo, and Ukwa areas, as well as a locally fabricated double-barrel gun abandoned by fleeing oil thieves.

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Additionally, it was revealed that 86 locally produced ovens were destroyed in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) and four illegal refining sites were dismantled by troops. A dugout pit containing over 7, 200 litres of stolen crude and 2, 700 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) was discovered.

Along the Ndoni waterside, security forces found 102 sacks filled with over 5, 100 litres of stolen AGO and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). Similarly, at Agah, 35 sacks containing more than 2, 100 litres of illegally refined AGO were confiscated, while two suspects were apprehended in Omoku with 14 sacks of condensates stored in their homes.

A locally built wooden boat that was abandoned in the Ashaka Okpai community water channel, containing more than 3, 160 litres of stolen crude, was also intercepted as a result of operations in Delta State, according to the statement.

Along the Oando pipeline, close to Tuomo village in Bomadi, eight sacks of condensates were also discovered. A suspected oil thief was detained in the Sagbama Local Government Area in Bayelsa State with more than 1,100 liters of illegally refined AGO.

The statement reads, “Troops have continued to dominate the creeks and waterways in Akwa Ibom State to deny criminal elements the right to take action.”

Commending the troops, as contained in the statement, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, urged the Troops to maintain professionalism and intensify operations.

He advised “I charge you to raise the operational tempo so that more opportunities for exploration activities are created.”