Army Operation in Niger Delta Recovers 32,000 Litres of Stolen Products
The Nigerian Army has reported fresh breakthroughs in its campaign against oil theft, announcing the arrest of 69 suspects and the recovery of over 32,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in the Niger Delta.
Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, disclosed the update in a statement on Sunday.
He explained that the clampdown, which ran from August 11 to 24, 2025, was executed in partnership with other security agencies.
During the operation, troops intercepted two trucks transporting more than 15,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil in Sapele, Delta State.
Three suspects were arrested, and 16 bags of AGO were seized. Further raids in Warri North and other parts of Sapele also yielded significant recoveries.
In Rivers State, soldiers deactivated illegal refining camps spread across Degema, Omoku, and Oyigbo, seizing over 10,000 litres of stolen petroleum, wooden boats, condensates, and refining tools. Similar raids in Okrika and Andoni shut down additional sites used for illegal processing.
Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom also featured in the operation. In Yenagoa, reservoirs holding more than 7,000 litres of crude oil were uncovered, while troops in Akwa Ibom disrupted activities of criminal groups, restricting their ability to operate in the creeks.
Lt. Col. Danjuma confirmed that all arrested suspects have been transferred to relevant agencies for prosecution, while seized products are being handled in line with operational procedures.
Oil theft is regarded as one of Nigeria’s most pressing economic challenges, draining state revenues and threatening energy security.
By dismantling refining sites and intercepting stolen products, the Army says it is helping to protect national resources that remain central to the country’s financial stability.
Punch
