*Lt.-Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division of the Nigerian Army Public Relations, discloses the security forces confiscated over 60,000 litres of stolen petroleum products, and destroyed illegal oil-refining sites in latest offensive against crude theft, and related crimes in the Niger Delta region

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The Nigerian Army has arrested 39 suspected oil thieves, and destroyed 18 illegal refining sites in the latest offensive against crude oil theft, and related crimes in the Niger Delta region of the country.

Lt.-Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, who disclosed this development in a statement, said Officers conducted the operation between March 24 and 30, 2025, in collaboration with sister security agencies.

Danjuma revealed the Nigerian security forces also confiscated over 60,000 litres of stolen petroleum products and dismantled illegal refining infrastructure.

Source: Defence Headquarters

He also said in Rivers State, troops intercepted an inbuilt fabricated twin tank containing 18,000 litres of stolen crude along Ochokocho Road, in Etche Local Government Area (LGA).

The statement noted that the troops intercepted and seized a MAN Diesel container truck with registration number LXA 44 XA while attempting to smuggle stolen petroleum products concealed in bags of sawdust during the operation.

According to Danjuma, the suspects abandoned the truck, and fled on sighting security forces.

The Nigerian Army further further anti-oil theft operations along the Imo River as well led to the dismantling of several illegal refining sites, with over 15,000 litres of stolen products recovered.

The Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations stated the crackdown extended to Rumuekpe Forest in Ahoada East LGA, where two refining sites were destroyed, and 2,800 litres of stolen crude oil were confiscated.

He also said the troops performed similar operations in Ebocha, Omoku (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA), and Jelikri Creek, in the Degema Local Government Area, where illegal refining sites, drum ovens, hoses, and metal pipes were destroyed.

The Army statement highlighted significant breakthroughs in Bayelsa State, particularly in Yenagoa LGA, where the Officers dismantled two illegal refining sites containing over 8,000 litres of stolen crude in drums and sacks.

Also, in Southern Ijaw LGA, troops uncovered another illegal operation, recovering 1,500 litres of crude oil and 300 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), stated Lt.-Col Danjuma.

The Army said in Delta State, the fight against crude oil theft continued at Egbokodo Itsekiri Community in Warri South Local Government Area, where troops seized several jerricans filled with illegally refined AGO and destroyed storage materials used in the illicit trade.

The statement equally revealed that in Akwa Ibom State, troops had 鈥渄ominated the operational landscape”, preventing criminals from operating freely.

Army committed to eradicating crude oil theft: GOC, 6 Division

Speaking on the latest operation, Major-General Emmanuel Emekah, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 6 Division, restated the Nigerian Army鈥檚 commitment to eradicating crude oil theft.

Gen. Emekah stated: 鈥淥ur troops will continue to hunt down oil thieves and ensure the safety of Nigeria鈥檚 resources. Anyone engaging in illegal refining must turn a new leaf or be prepared to face the full wrath of the law.”

Reaffirming the army鈥檚 stance, the statement further quoted Major General Emekah

He also said: 鈥淲e will not relent in our efforts to sustain a secure environment where legitimate exploration activities can thrive without criminal interference.鈥�

The Nigerian Army further urged residents to report suspicious activities as security forces intensify efforts to curb crude oil theft and other illegal activities in the Niger Delta region of the country.