Troops arrest 23 suspects, recover over 180,000 litres of stolen crude oil

Monday, April 28, 2025 - Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army (NA) working in close synergy with other security agencies arrested 23 suspected oil thieves, successfully deactivated 13 artisanal refineries, and confiscated over 180,000 litres of stolen products across the region.

Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations said this in a statement.

He said operations conducted in Rivers State, around Orachi/Okolomade general area in Abia/Odual Local Government Area (LGA), led to the discovery of over 45,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) in sacks, concealed at different locations within a very treacherous forested area were recovered.

He added that around Obiafo in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA (ONELGA), an active illegal refining site was destroyed with over 28,000 litres of stolen crude recovered in two reservoirs.

“One suspect was arrested in the area, while others fled on sighting troops,” he said, adding that an 800 meters long hose and pumping machine were recovered.

Additionally, troops conducted operation around Peterside Community in Bonny LGA, where an illegal refining site was uncovered, with three pots and receivers and over 10,000 litres of stolen products recovered.

Similarly, in a snap operations conducted along Obrikom-Omoku, two wooden boats conveying over 3,000 litres of illegally refined AGO were intercepted, adding that seven suspected oil thieves were apprehended in connection to the heinous crime.

In Akwa Ibom State, following credible intelligence, troops intercepted a tanker truck with Registration number 1430 LA filled with 39,994 litres of stolen products along Itu-Calabar highway in Itu LGA.

Two suspected oil thieves were arrested in connection to the seizure.

In Bayelsa State, around Biseni in Yenagoa Local Government Area (YELGA), troops discovered an illegal refining site with over 2,600 litres of AGO in sacks.

At Adibawa area, also in YELGA, over 2,500 litres of stolen crude and 1,100 litres of illegally refined AGO in sacks were recovered. Also, recovered were eight wheelbarrows used for the illicit activities.

The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah has called on troops to sustain the pressure on all forms of economic sabotage in the region.

He equally called on the good people of the region to continue to support military operations by providing credible information on the activities of criminals in their domain to the security agencies.