Nigerian troops from the 6 Division Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have arrested 38 suspected oil thieves and recovered more than 700,000 litres of stolen petroleum products during operations across the Niger Delta region.

The operations, conducted between May 12 and 18, 2025, also resulted in the deactivation of 28 illegal refining sites and the destruction of several locally made boats used for illegal bunkering activities, according to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations.

In Rivers State, troops carried out targeted operations around Okolomade, Orashi, and Ozochi Forests, where they discovered an illegal connection directly on a wellhead at Ozochi Forest. Follow-up raids led to the recovery of over 200 sacks of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO), 300,000 litres of stolen crude in cooking ovens, and an additional 300,000 litres of stolen AGO.

"Six cooking ovens of 100,000 litres capacity each, four reservoirs, six receivers, pumping machines, and generators were seized. Three suspects have been taken into custody in connection with these crimes," the statement noted.

In Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, troops intercepted a truck loaded with over 45,000 litres of stolen AGO at Alode junction based on credible intelligence. Additional raids at Obiafor Forest resulted in the arrest of five suspected oil thieves operating a new illegal bunkering site, alongside the seizure of a reservoir containing over 25,000 litres of stolen crude oil.

The troops also demobilised a wooden boat loaded with over 10,000 litres of stolen crude oil hidden in the creeks at the Olughighi area. Operations along the Imo River led to the deactivation of seven illegal refining sites, with the seizure of 31 drum pots, 10 drum receivers, 38 sacks, and over 7,000 litres of stolen products.

A sting operation at Amahausa Community in Ahoada East LGA recovered over 50 sacks of illegally refined crude oil, estimated at 2,500 litres.

Beyond Rivers State, the Army deactivated illegal refining sites in Biseni, Yenagoa LGA, and Isonogbene Creek, Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State, recovering over 3,500 litres of stolen products. In Delta State, troops intercepted crude oil in Ughoton Creeks, Warri South LGA, dismantling three artisanal refineries, and arrested a truck driver at Wellhead 3 Olomoro Flow Station in Isoko South LGA.

In Akwa Ibom State, along the Abak–Ikot Abasi road, troops intercepted a mini-bus loaded with 1,170 litres of illegally refined AGO and arrested the driver, who is currently assisting with investigations.

Major General Emmanuel Emekah, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, commended the troops for their operational successes and urged them to maintain the momentum. He reassured that the welfare of the troops remained a top priority.