Nigerian Army Cracks Down on Oil Theft, Arrests 19 Suspects, Destroys 22 Illegal Bunkering Sites in Niger Delta

Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have intensified operations across the Niger Delta Region (NDR), targeting oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and associated crimes.

Between 23 November and 28 December 2025, the military apprehended 19 suspected oil thieves, destroyed 22 illegal refining hubs, and recovered over 180,000 litres of stolen petroleum products, valued at more than ₦150 million.

At Siebu Creek in Ogbienbiri, Southern Ijaw LGA, troops deactivated an illegal refining site and recovered a massive reservoir containing over 75,000 litres of stolen crude oil alongside a pumping machine. In Biseni, Yenagoa LGA, multiple illegal refining sites were dismantled, with a cumulative recovery of over 17,000 litres of stolen products. Troops also intercepted a Cotonou boat at Okarki waterside, Ogbia LGA, carrying 37 sacks containing 2,775 litres of stolen crude.

In Ogale Community, Eleme LGA, soldiers seized 350 sacks containing more than 10,500 litres of stolen crude. Around Okarki Forest, Ahoada West LGA, two illegal refining sites were destroyed, with over 3,000 litres of crude recovered. At Orashi Forest, Abua/Odual LGA, troops traced a 9-kilometre pipeline leading to four illegal refining sites, recovering four large ovens (30,000 litres each), dugout pits, receivers, and over 7,000 litres of crude oil, alongside a pumping machine and five reservoirs. Additionally, at Okolomade, Abua/Odual LGA, 31 sacks containing 2,325 litres of stolen crude were seized.

Troops responded swiftly to a reported attempt to compromise a pipeline at Gbonga Forest, Bonny Island LGA, recovering rubber hoses, manifold valve heads, jerricans, a 9.9 HP Yamaha engine, and other paraphernalia. Additional seizures occurred around Okrika LGA, Omerelu in Ikwerre LGA, and OML 18 Alakiri, amounting to over 6,000 litres of condensates.

The operations underscore the Nigerian Army’s commitment to denying criminals freedom of action in the Niger Delta, protecting vital national infrastructure, and ensuring the integrity of Nigeria’s oil industry.