From Victor Edozie Port Harcourt
The 6 Division of the Nigeria Army, Port Harcourt said its troops in collaboration with other security agencies, have arrested 17 suspects in connection with illegal oil bunkering, deactivate 9 illegal refining sites and recovered 45,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in Niger Delta.
A statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday by Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah, the Division’s Deputy Director of Public Relation, said the operations was conducted between 8 and 20 September 2025.
Jonah said in Delta State, around Ogwu Community in Warri South Local Government Area (LGA), troops discovered a metal storage facility containing over 20,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), three pumping machines, three metering machines, and 25 litres of engine oil.
Other items recovered according to him included two empty tanks and a 20,000-litre capacity tanker truck with registration number BEN 223 ZW (Edo State), loaded with over 10,000 litres of illegally refined AGO.
“Likewise, in Bayelsa State, around Biseni in Yenagoa LGA, troops uncovered two illegal refining sites and three dugout pits containing over 7,000 litres of stolen products, which were appropriately destroyed. At Okordia in Yenagoa LGA, a Toyota Camry with registration number ASB 71 BG, loaded with over 600 litres of AGO, was intercepted.
“In Rivers State, during a routine patrol around Okarki Community in Ahoada West LGA, troops intercepted a Toyota 4Runner SUV with registration number GBB 331 AE, conveying over 1,600 litres of stolen products. Items recovered included a 250-metre hose, three-inch metal pipes, and six sacks containing 300 litres of illegally refined AGO. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled on sighting the troops.
“Also, at Ogbogolo Community in Ahoada West LGA, troops discovered 23 sacks filled with 690 litres of illegally refined AGO. At KM 45 in Degema LGA, a wooden boat loaded with stolen products was intercepted. At Obiafor Oil Field in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, troops discovered a vandalised portion of the Oando pipeline, along with over 500 litres of stolen condensate.
“Meanwhile, in Akwa Ibom State, troops sustained the operations, combing notorious corridors used by oil thieves to carry out their illegal activities. This has effectively denied the criminals freedom of action in the State,” he stated.
