Nigerian Army intensifies crackdown on oil theft in Niger Delta, arrests 28 suspects

In a continued effort to combat economic sabotage in the Niger Delta, troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army have successfully disrupted multiple attempts to revive illegal oil refining operations across the region.

The latest operations led to the arrest of 28 suspected oil thieves and the dismantling of 18 illegal bunkering sites. Troops also recovered over 72,000 litres of stolen petroleum products during the coordinated raids.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah, spokesperson for the 6 Division, the operations were carried out across Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa States. In Akwa Ibom, along the Okobo-Uyo Road in Okobo Local Government Area, troops intercepted eight jerricans of 30-litre capacity each, used in transporting illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). All suspects involved were promptly apprehended.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to curbing illegal oil activities and protecting the nation’s economic assets. The military warned that operations would continue aggressively until all illicit refining camps are eliminated and perpetrators brought to justice.