🇳🇬 Troops Seize 32,000 Litres, Smash Oil Theft Rings in Niger Delta

 

Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have intensified anti-oil theft operations across the Niger Delta, confiscating more than 32,000 litres of stolen petroleum products and dismantling multiple illegal refining sites.

Zig Diaries Defence

Date: Sunday, 24 August 2025
Time: 22:25 WAT
Location: 📍 Port Harcourt, Nigeria

The clampdown, carried out between 11 and 24 August 2025, highlights the military’s push to curb oil theft and safeguard national resources.

According to a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the operations were conducted in collaboration with other security agencies and recorded major breakthroughs.

In Delta State, troops intercepted two trucks carrying over 15,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) at Sapele LGA, arresting three suspects. At One Man Village, 16 cellophane bags of AGO were seized, while in Nana Town, Warri North, several drums and jerricans of stolen products were uncovered.

In Rivers State, troops deactivated three refining sites in Degema, recovered 7,000 litres of stolen products, and seized a boat. In Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, two boats laden with stolen condensates were intercepted. Additional seizures included 1,500 litres of condensates at Izuoma, Oyigbo, and more stolen crude at Akankurma, Okrika, where three suspects were also arrested.

Elsewhere in Rivers, troops seized a fibre boat, cooking equipment, pipes, and valves in Andoni LGA. Along Imo River, 2,000 litres of stolen products were recovered as two refining sites were dismantled around Obuzor and Oyigbo.

In Bayelsa, an illegal site in Biseni, Yenagoa LGA, was busted, where 7,000 litres of stolen crude were discovered in large reservoirs, alongside drums and receivers destroyed. In Akwa Ibom, troops dominated operational areas, denying criminals freedom of action.

All arrested suspects have been handed over to relevant security agencies for prosecution, while confiscated products are being handled in line with operational mandates.

⚡ Quick Read: Anti-Oil Theft Ops (11–24 Aug 2025)

Delta State

🚛 2 trucks with 15,000+ litres AGO seized at Sapele LGA.

👮 3 suspects arrested.

🛢 16 bags AGO recovered at One Man Village.

🛢 Drums & jerricans uncovered in Nana Town, Warri North.

Rivers State

🔥 3 illegal refining sites deactivated at Degema (7,000+ litres seized).

⛵ 2 boats with 8 sacks condensates intercepted at Omoku, ONELGA.

🛢 Dugout pit with 1,500 litres condensate discovered.

🛢 1,500 litres recovered at Izuoma, Oyigbo.

🔥 Refining site dismantled at Akankurma, Okrika; 3 suspects arrested.

⛵ Fibre boat, cooking pot, 10-inch pipes, 5 valves seized at Ataba, Andoni.

🛢 2,000+ litres stolen products recovered along Imo River; 2 refining sites destroyed.

Bayelsa State

🛢 Refining site busted at Biseni, Yenagoa LGA.

🛢 2 reservoirs with 7,000+ litres crude seized.

🔥 5 drums & receivers destroyed.

Akwa Ibom State

🔒 Operational areas dominated by troops.

❌ Criminals denied freedom of action.

Fact-Check & Background Context
Nigeria loses billions annually to crude oil theft and illegal refining, a major driver of environmental degradation and revenue shortfalls. 

The military, through operations like these, continues to target refining camps and illicit transport channels.

🏷Tags: #NigeriaArmy, #OilTheft, #NigerDelta, #Defence, #Security, #ZigDiariesDefence

#ZigDiariesDefence #OilTheft #NigerDelta