The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has arrested 43 suspected oil thieves and dismantled 27 illegal bunkering sites across the Niger Delta in a large-scale operation aimed at combating oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

The crackdown, carried out in collaboration with other security agencies from May 26 to June 8, resulted in the recovery of more than 161,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.

Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for 6 Division, confirmed the operation, describing it as part of a concerted effort to disrupt the activities of economic saboteurs undermining Nigeria’s oil sector. The operation spanned multiple states

within the Niger Delta, revealing a sophisticated network of illegal refining infrastructure.

In Bayelsa State, troops working along the Zarama-Joinkrama 4 axis uncovered an illegal connection at Wellhead 10, linked to a nearby refining site. This led to the seizure of five cooking ovens, five reservoirs, five dugout pits, a generator, and over 30,000 litres of stolen crude oil.

Additional illegal connection points were discovered in Biseni Community, Yenagoa Local Government Area, where extensive refining equipment was dismantled and over 31,000 litres of stolen crude and refined products were seized.

Further operations in Southern Ijaw and Ekeremor Local Government Areas uncovered an illegal refining site at Luka Creek. Authorities seized 71 large pipes, 30 small pipes, and a 40HP engine concealed beneath logs, which were abandoned by fleeing vandals.

In Rivers State, the military intercepted several vessels carrying stolen Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), including a large wooden barge and two boats, confiscating over 45,000 litres of the fuel. Eight suspects were arrested during these seizures.

Additional operations across Okrika, Ahoada West, Degema, Abua/Odual, and Omoku led to the interception of a truck transporting crude oil concealed in sacks, as well as the seizure of thousands of litres of refined kerosene and crude oil.

Akwa Ibom State also saw significant enforcement activities. Authorities apprehended a suspect transporting 1,900 litres of stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in an Infinity Jeep along the Ikot Abasi-Oruk Anam axis. Two other suspects were arrested on the Abak-Ikot Abasi Road with over 800 litres of stolen PMS.

In Delta State, operations in Obodo, Ugbukoko, and Warri South Local Government Areas uncovered illegal refining camps, boats laden with stolen crude oil, and makeshift shops stocked with refined AGO. At Urakpa Gana waterside in Sapele Local Government Area, four suspects were arrested with over 1,800 litres of stolen condensates, with further seizures from two intercepted vehicles.

Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, General Officer Commanding 6 Division, commended the troops for their resilience and professionalism in the ongoing campaign against oil theft. He encouraged the troops to sustain their efforts in securing Nigeria’s critical economic infrastructure.