The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division says it has arrested 69 suspected oil thieves, dismantled nine illegal refining sites, and recovered 32,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in the Niger Delta.
Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, noting that the operation was conducted between August 11 and 24, 2025, in collaboration with sister security agencies.
According to the statement, troops intercepted two trucks carrying over 15,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil in Delta State’s Sapele LGA, arrested three suspects, and recovered 16 cellophane bags filled with AGO. Other seizures were recorded in Warri North and Sapele.
Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States also recorded successes, with troops uncovering reservoirs containing over 7,000 litres of stolen crude in Yenagoa LGA and denying criminal elements operational freedom in Akwa Ibom.
All suspects have been handed over to relevant authorities for prosecution, while seized products are being processed in line with operational directives, the Army said.
