Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have arrested 28 suspects and recovered more than two hundred and ninety thousand litres of stolen petroleum products during coordinated operations in the Niger Delta region.

The operations, conducted between October 6 and 19, 2025, also led to the deactivation of four illegal refining sites across Rivers, Delta, Abia, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom states.

According to a statement signed by Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, the operations form part of the Nigerian Army’s sustained efforts to curb crude oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage in the region.

In Rivers State, troops recorded breakthroughs during operations in the Okrika Local Government Area, where two wooden boats were intercepted while loading Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from a vessel offloading at a jetty.

Following a tip-off on illegal bunkering activities at Elele Alimini in Emohua, troops impounded a tanker, suspected to be conveying about ninety thousand litres of stolen products. Two suspects, including the driver and his assistant, were arrested.

In Abia State, troops deactivated two illegal refining sites along the Imo River, seizing drum pots, receivers, and about 2,500 litres of stolen crude oil.