As part of the ongoing crackdown on illegal bunkering and crude oil theft, operatives from the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have arrested 28 suspected oil thieves and shut down multiple illegal refining sites across the Niger Delta.
In a statement released on Monday, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Division, said the operation—carried out in collaboration with other security agencies—has been steadily advancing efforts to combat crude oil theft across several states in the region.
The operation, which took place between October 6 and 19, 2025, led to the arrest of 28 suspects, the dismantling of four illegal refining camps, and the seizure of more than 290,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
The statement noted: “In Delta State, troops responded to credible intelligence regarding oil theft activities along the PAN Ocean Pipeline corridor in Ethiope East Local Government Area. The suspects fled upon spotting the troops, but one individual was apprehended.
Items recovered from the scene included vandalized pipes, hoses, a large number of Bagco sacks, and leather materials. Security forces also seized several vehicles— a Peugeot 406, a Toyota Camry, a Toyota Jeep, and a lorry loaded with over 1,650 litres of stolen petroleum products.”
Troops carrying out pipeline surveillance along the Midwestern Oil and Gas Pipeline corridor at Umusan-Obodogwa in Ndokwa West LGA intercepted a Mercedes-Benz truck, bearing registration number Enugu VE 174 ENU, loaded with 24 pieces of 14-inch pipes and three gas cylinders. Two suspects were taken into custody. Authorities believe the pipes may have been illegally removed from the SEPCO Oil and Gas pipeline in Kwale.
In a separate operation near Eruemukohwarien in Ughelli North LGA, security forces intercepted a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number Delta PTN 926 XA, found to be transporting ten drums containing approximately 2,500 litres of condensate. The driver was arrested on the spot.
