In a significant crackdown on illegal oil operations, the Nigerian Army has announced the arrest of nine suspected oil thieves and the confiscation of over 156,000 litres of stolen petroleum products, valued at more than N250 million. The seizures were made during a series of coordinated operations across several states in the Niger Delta region between April 1 and April 26.
The operations, conducted by the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in collaboration with other security agencies, also resulted in the dismantling of 10 illegal refining sites and the destruction of equipment used for crude oil theft. According to a statement released on Sunday by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of the 6 Division Army Public Relations, the seized products include over 130,000 litres of crude oil and 26,000 litres of petrol.
Rivers operations
The operations spanned key oil-producing states, including Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa. In Rivers State, troops achieved notable successes in Ahoada East and Ahoada West local government areas. For example, soldiers intercepted an abandoned truck loaded with 45,000 litres of suspected stolen petroleum products along the East-West Road in Ukpeye community, Ahoada East. Additionally, troops uncovered a massive reservoir containing over 35,000 litres of stolen crude oil at the Orashi National Forest in Ahoada West. In the same area, another reservoir stocked with over 26,000 litres of illegally refined petrol was discovered, alongside galvanised pipes used for siphoning petroleum products.
In Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, troops confiscated 266 sacks containing 17,760 litres of suspected stolen products at Ebocha and Omoku communities. Meanwhile, four drum ovens and 50 sacks filled with over 3,000 litres of crude oil were uncovered and destroyed at Abessa Forest in Ahoada West. Around Okolomade in Abua/Odual Local Government Area, the military discovered 30 sacks containing about 1,500 litres of stolen crude.
Delta, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa
In Delta State, troops uncovered a tapping point and a nearby storage pit containing over 2,700 litres of stolen products in Obazogbe community, Ethiope East LGA. In Akwa Ibom, 45 bags containing about 1,350 litres of illegally refined petrol were recovered in Ikot Ekpene LGA, with suspects fleeing upon sighting troops.
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The army also maintained operational dominance in Bayelsa State, significantly limiting the activities of oil thieves across the region. The General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, commended the troops for their performance and urged them to sustain the tempo of operations against crude oil theft and related crimes.
This crackdown comes at a critical time for Nigeria, which, as PREMIUM TIMES recently reported, is losing more barrels of crude oil than some OPEC member countries produce. The theft of crude oil not only robs the nation of vital revenue but also causes severe environmental damage through illegal refining activities. The army’s continued efforts highlight the ongoing battle to protect Nigeria’s oil resources and curb the economic and ecological impact of oil theft.