Army Seizes ₦250m Stolen Oil, Arrests Nine in Niger Delta

The Nigerian Army says it has confiscated stolen crude oil and refined products valued at about ₦250 million during a series of operations across the Niger Delta, as part of a renewed push against oil theft in the region.

According to military authorities, the operations, carried out over several weeks, also led to the arrest of nine suspected oil thieves and the dismantling of multiple illegal refining sites scattered across key states.

The crackdown, coordinated by troops under the Army’s 6 Division, targeted illegal bunkering networks operating in Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa states. Officials say the effort reflects a broader strategy to disrupt supply chains that sustain illicit refining activities.

In total, security forces recovered more than 130,000 litres of stolen crude oil alongside 26,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel), while also destroying equipment used in processing and transporting the products.

Military spokesperson Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma said the operations were intelligence-driven and executed in collaboration with other security agencies, allowing troops to identify key hotspots and respond swiftly.

Rivers State emerged as a major focus of the operation, with several discoveries made across its waterways and forested areas. In one instance, troops intercepted a truck loaded with tens of thousands of litres of stolen petroleum products along a major transport route. In other locations, they uncovered large reservoirs hidden within forest zones, containing both crude oil and illegally refined diesel.

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Further operations led to the discovery of storage sacks filled with stolen products, as well as makeshift refining equipment such as drum ovens and pipelines used to siphon oil from infrastructure.

Crackdown spreads across region

Beyond Rivers, similar findings were reported in Delta and Akwa Ibom states, where troops uncovered tapping points, storage pits, and stockpiles of refined fuel. In some cases, suspects fled on sight, abandoning the products and equipment behind.

Military authorities say operations in Bayelsa State have also intensified, with troops maintaining pressure on suspected networks and limiting their ability to operate freely.

The General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, commended troops for what he described as sustained operational success. He urged them to maintain momentum, noting that oil theft continues to pose a significant threat to Nigeria’s economy and energy sector.

Illegal refining and crude oil theft have long plagued the Niger Delta, contributing to environmental damage, revenue losses, and security challenges. The destruction of refining sites, while disruptive, is often followed by the emergence of new ones, making enforcement a continuous effort.

Authorities insist that consistent pressure, backed by intelligence and inter-agency cooperation, is key to weakening these networks over time. However, the persistence of the trade highlights deeper economic realities in the region, where limited opportunities often push individuals toward illicit activities.

With the latest seizures, the military says it is sending a clear signal that operations against economic sabotage will continue, even as broader conversations around sustainable solutions and community engagement remain ongoing.