In a major victory against oil theft in the Niger Delta region, the Nigerian Army's 6 Division, in collaboration with other security agencies, has arrested 23 suspected oil thieves and confiscated a staggering 180,000 liters of stolen oil products. The operations, spanning multiple states, also resulted in the destruction of 13 illegal refineries, sending a strong message to those involved in economic sabotage.
Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the acting deputy director of the 6 Division Army Public Relations, confirmed the arrests and seizures on Monday, detailing the extensive operations in Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa states. Among the significant discoveries, troops uncovered over 45,000 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) in sacks hidden in forests in the Abua/Odual Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State. In addition, an active illegal refining site in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA (ONELGA) was dismantled, with over 28,000 liters of stolen crude seized.
In Akwa Ibom, a tanker truck laden with nearly 40,000 liters of stolen oil was intercepted along the Itu–Calabar highway, leading to the arrest of two suspects. Further investigations revealed fraudulent documents, adding to the scale of the operation.
In Bayelsa, the troops discovered significant quantities of stolen crude and AGO in Yenagoa LGA, with six suspects apprehended during the raid. The operations were part of ongoing efforts to dismantle the oil theft network that has long plagued the region, causing severe economic damage and environmental harm.
Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Eric Emekah, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, urged the troops to continue their relentless efforts in combating all forms of economic sabotage, reinforcing the military's commitment to securing the nation’s resources.
