Army arrests 69 suspected oil thieves in Niger Delt
The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has arrested 69 suspected oil thieves, dismantled nine illegal refining sites, and recovered 32,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in the Niger Delta.
Acting Deputy Director, Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
He said the operation was conducted between August 11 and 24, 2025, in collaboration with other security agencies.
The statement said troops intercepted two trucks carrying over 15,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Sapele LGA, Delta State, arrested three suspects, and recovered 16 cellophane bags filled with AGO.
The statement added that other seizures were recorded in Warri North and Sapele.
The Army spokesman said, in Rivers state, troops deactivated multiple illegal refining sites in Degema, Omoku, and Oyigbo LGAs, recovering over 10,000 litres of stolen products, wooden boats, condensates, and refining equipment.
Additional sites were also dismantled in Okrika and Andoni LGAs.
Danjuma said in Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States troops uncovered reservoirs containing over 7,000 litres of stolen crude in Yenagoa LGA while criminal elements were denied operational freedom in Akwa Ibom.
Danjuma said all suspects have been handed over to relevant authorities for prosecution, while seized products are being processed in line with operational directives.
