The Nigerian Army says its ongoing clampdown on oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and related crimes in the Niger Delta region has continued to yield positive results, with troops effectively denying criminal elements freedom of action across the region.
A statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Danjuma, revealed that between June 9 and 29, 2025, troops in collaboration with other security agencies deactivated 23 illegal refining sites, arrested 46 suspects involved in oil theft and related crimes, and recovered over 30,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
In Bayelsa State, troops operating around Biseni Community and Adibawa in Yenagoa Local Government Area destroyed nine large cooking pots, 16 drum pots, four receivers, and four drum coolants. They also recovered more than 6,000 litres of stolen crude oil. Additionally, at Otueke in Ogbia LGA, two suspected criminals were apprehended with two locally fabricated pistols and 9mm ammunition.
In Rivers State, six illegal refining sites were uncovered around Kilometer 45 in Degema Local Government Area, leading to the confiscation of over 5,000 litres of stolen crude. Similarly, in the Kula 1 area of Akuku-Toru LGA, troops dismantled an illegal refining site equipped with four cooking ovens, four receivers, and four drums containing over 2,500 litres of stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Four suspects were arrested in connection with the operation.
Troops also recorded significant breakthroughs in Akwa Ibom and Delta States as part of the intensified crackdown on economic sabotage in the region.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to safeguarding critical oil infrastructure and restoring sanity in the region, while calling on residents to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information.
