Tackling Oil Theft: Nigerian Army Arrests 15 Suspects, Destroys 14 Boats

Tackling Oil Theft: Nigerian Army Arrests 15 Suspects, Destroys 14 Boats

The Nigerian Army, working alongside other security agencies, has intensified efforts to combat oil theft in the Niger Delta, recovering over 60,000 litres of stolen crude oil products and arresting 15 individuals…READ MORE…

A statement from the Army revealed the destruction of 32 illegal refineries and the deactivation of 14 boats used for oil theft between January 6 and 12, 2025.

The statement noted, “These operations resulted in the destruction of 32 artisanal refineries, deactivation of 14 boats used for criminal activities, the arrest of 15 oil thieves, and the recovery of over 60,000 litres of stolen crude oil products.”

Operations were conducted across various joint operation areas. In Rivers State, troops targeted the Bille general area in Degema Local Government Area (LGA), confiscating seven illegal refining sites with over 20,000 litres of stolen crude oil. Two wooden boats involved in the illicit activities were also destroyed.

Similarly, in the Imo River stretch, ten illegal refining sites were deactivated, with numerous drum pots and receivers destroyed, resulting in the recovery of over 19,000 litres of stolen crude.

In the Odagwa general area of Etche LGA, three boats loaded with over 12,000 litres of stolen crude were intercepted, and three suspected oil thieves were arrested.

Troops also dismantled an illegal refining site in Nkisa, Ogba/Egbema/ Ndoni LGA, where over 1,200 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil and 1,600 litres of crude were handled.

Additionally, along Ndoni road, a Toyota bus was intercepted carrying 18 sacks of stolen condensates, totaling over 1,200 litres. In Buguma general area, two illegal refining sites were dismantled, and a small wooden boat carrying 1,500 litres of stolen crude was intercepted. Five suspected oil thieves were apprehended and handed over for prosecution.

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