Army recovers 130,000 litres of stolen crude in N'Delta

In a significant crackdown on illegal oil bunkering, the Nigerian Army has reported substantial successes in its operations across the Niger Delta region. The recent campaign, spanning nearly a month, has led to the destruction of 10 illegal refining sites and the seizure of over 130,000 liters of stolen crude oil, alongside 26,000 liters of diesel. This operation, conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, underscores the persistent challenge of oil theft in the region and the military's commitment to combating it.

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The operations, conducted from April 1 to 26, 2026, across the region, led to the arrest of nine suspected oil thieves, the deactivation of 10 illegal refining sites, and the confiscation of over 130,000 litres of stolen crude oil, as well as over 26,000 litres of automotive gas oil. Several pieces of equipment used for oil theft were also destroyed.

The Acting Deputy Director of the 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, detailed the operations, highlighting specific seizures in Rivers State, including a truck laden with 45,000 liters of stolen products and a massive reservoir containing over 35,000 liters of crude oil. The recovery of thousands of liters of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil and the destruction of associated equipment further demonstrate the scale of illicit activities.

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The confiscated products are worth over N250,000,000.00.

These operations, valued at over N250 million, not only disrupt the illegal oil trade but also aim to protect national economic assets. The army's continued dominance of the operational landscape in the Niger Delta, as stated by Danjuma, signals a sustained effort to curb the menace of oil theft, which has long plagued the region and impacted its environment and economy. The arrests of nine suspected oil thieves are a testament to the effectiveness of these targeted operations.

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Accordingly, in a swift response to credible intelligence, troops intercepted an abandoned truck with registration number KMC 310 ZV (Kano) at Ukpeye Community along the East-West Road in Ahoada East Local Government Area.