The Nigerian Army has intensified efforts to curb crude oil theft, urging residents to report suspicious activities. In a recent operation, troops of the 6 Division arrested 39 suspected oil thieves and dismantled 18 illegal refining sites across Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states.
Between March 24 and 30, 2025, security forces confiscated over 60,000 litres of stolen petroleum products and destroyed illegal refining equipment. In Rivers State, troops intercepted an inbuilt fabricated twin tank carrying 18,000 litres of stolen crude and seized a truck smuggling petroleum products hidden in sawdust.
Operations along the Imo River, Rumuekpe Forest, and other locations led to the recovery of thousands of litres of stolen crude. In Bayelsa, over 8,000 litres of stolen crude were found in Yenagoa, while troops in Delta raided Egbokodo Itsekiri, seizing illegally refined AGO.
Major General Emmanuel Emekah, GOC 6 Division vowed that the army would continue to combat oil theft and ensure Nigeria’s resources are protected.
He warned perpetrators of such act to refrain or face the full wrath of the law.
© WAVN
