By Gwurld4026 
39 Arrested as Army Targets Oil Theft in Niger Delta
In a concerted effort to combat crude oil theft and related crimes in the Niger Delta region, troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have arrested 39 suspected oil thieves and dismantled 18 illegal refining sites. The operations, conducted between March 24 and 30, 2025, were carried out in collaboration with sister security agencies.
Key Highlights of the Operations:
- Rivers State: Troops intercepted an inbuilt fabricated twin tank containing 18,000 litres of stolen crude along Ochokocho Road in Etche Local Government Area. Additionally, a MAN Diesel container truck with registration number LXA 44 XA, concealed with bags of sawdust and conveying an unquantified quantity of stolen products, was seized. The suspects abandoned the vehicle upon sighting the troops.
- Imo River: Several illegal refining sites were dismantled, resulting in the recovery of over 15,000 litres of stolen products.
- Rumuekpe Forest (Ahoada East LGA): Two illegal refining sites containing over 2,800 litres of stolen products were confiscated.
- Bayelsa State: Operations around Adibawa in Yenagoa LGA led to the dismantling of two illegal refining sites, with over 8,000 litres of stolen crude in drums and sacks recovered. At Okighene in Southern Ijaw LGA, one illegal refining site containing over 1,500 litres of crude oil and 300 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) was uncovered.
- Delta State: In Egbokodo Itsekiri Community, Warri South LGA, troops confiscated several jerricans filled with illegally refined AGO and destroyed cellophane bags used for the criminal activities.
The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, has urged troops to intensify the crackdown against oil thieves to ensure a conducive environment for legitimate exploration activities. He warned individuals involved in illegal oil activities to desist and engage in lawful means of livelihood or face legal consequences.