Oil Theft: Again, Army Arrests 38 Suspects in Niger Delta
Crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, the Nigerian Army has intensified its operations, leading to the arrest of 39 suspected oil thieves and the dismantling of 18 illegal refining sites across the region. These operations, conducted between March 24 and 30, 2025, were part of a broader strategy to curb economic sabotage and restore integrity to Nigeria’s oil sector
The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, spearheaded these operations across the Joint Operations Area (JOA), encompassing Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states. According to Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, the coordinated efforts led to the confiscation of over 60,000 litres of stolen petroleum products and the recovery of various equipment used in illegal refining activities.
In Rivers State, troops intercepted a fabricated twin tank truck containing 18,000 litres of stolen crude oil along Ochokocho Road in Etche Local Government Area. Additionally, a MAN Diesel container truck (Registration: LXA 44 XA) loaded with stolen crude was seized, although the suspects fled upon sighting the security personnel. Further operations along the Imo River led to the discovery and dismantling of multiple illegal refining sites, with over 15,000 litres of stolen crude oil recovered. In Ahoada East LGA, two illegal refining sites containing more than 2,800 litres of stolen products were seized. Additional seizures were made around Ebocha, Omoku, and Jelikri Creek in Degema LGA, where multiple refining sites, drum ovens, hoses, and metal pipes were destroyed.
In Bayelsa State, operations around Adibawa in Yenagoa LGA led to the discovery of two illegal refining sites containing over 8,000 litres of stolen crude oil stored in drums and sacks. In Okighene, Southern Ijaw LGA, an illegal refining site with 1,500 litres of crude oil and 300 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) was uncovered.
In Delta State, troops uncovered a large-scale illegal bunkering site at Egbokodo Itsekiri Community in Warri South LGA. Recovered items included several jerricans filled with illegally refined AGO and cellophane bags used for smuggling operations.
In Akwa Ibom State, military forces have reportedly tightened their grip on illegal oil operations, significantly restricting criminal activities in the region. Troops have dominated the operational landscape, making it increasingly difficult for oil thieves to operate freely.
The Nigerian Army’s intensified operations in the Niger Delta underscore the government’s commitment to eradicating crude oil theft, which has long plagued the nation’s economy. According to the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, Nigeria lost over $46 billion due to crude oil theft between 2009 and 2020.
Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, commended the troops for their efforts and urged stakeholders to maintain synergy in the fight against oil theft. He emphasized that these efforts are vital to increasing oil and gas production and securing economic prosperity for Nigeria.
All arrested suspects have been handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution. The Army confirmed that seized products and equipment were processed in line with existing operational protocols.
The ongoing operations reflect a broader strategy to dismantle the networks facilitating oil theft and to restore confidence in Nigeria’s oil sector. By targeting the infrastructure and logistics that support illegal refining activities, the Nigerian Army aims to disrupt the economic incentives that drive crude oil theft.
As the Nigerian Army continues its crackdown on oil theft, the success of these operations will depend on sustained collaboration between security agencies, local communities, and other stakeholders. The commitment to eradicating crude oil theft is not only a matter of national security but also a crucial step toward economic revitalization and sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.