Korede Abdullah in Lagos
In a sweeping operation across the Niger Delta, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have arrested 43 suspected oil thieves and uncovered 27 illegal bunkering sites, recovering more than 161,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
This was contained in a statement signed by Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma on Monday.
The operations, which took place between May 26 and June 8, 2025, were conducted in synergy with other security agencies and targeted multiple hotspots in Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Delta States.
In Bayelsa alone, sites around Zarama-Joinkrama and Yenagoa yielded massive recoveries, including cooking ovens, reservoirs, pits, and over 30,000 litres of stolen crude.
“Additionally, 19 big pots, 36 drum receivers and over 27,600 litres of stolen crude stored in 460 sacks were handled,” the statement revealed.
According to the statement, in Rivers State, troops intercepted multiple boats and barges transporting more than 45,000 litres of stolen Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), alongside arrests of 11 suspects.
An illegal refining site in Abua/Odual LGA, as well as operations in Omoku and Oyingbo, led to further seizures of stolen crude, kerosene and vehicles used in transit.
Akwa Ibom and Delta States also recorded arrests and major seizures, including two Toyota vehicles carrying over 1,600 litres of stolen condensates in Delta’s Warri South and Sapele LGAs.
The crackdown exposed illegal connections to pipelines, concealed equipment, and widespread bunkering networks buried beneath creeks and forests.
Commending the troops, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, praised their tenacity and urged continued momentum. “He further enjoined them to sustain the tempo against oil thieves in the Niger Delta Region”, the statement concluded.
