Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested 17 suspects and seized more than 45,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in operations across the Niger Delta.
The Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
In Rivers State, soldiers on patrol intercepted a Toyota 4Runner SUV carrying over 1,600 litres of suspected stolen diesel around Okarki community in Ahoada West Local Government Area. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled.
Troops also recovered 23 sacks of refined products in Ahoada West and seized a wooden boat transporting petroleum products in Degema. At Obiafor in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, soldiers discovered a vandalised pipeline and recovered a 250-metre hose, metal pipes, and six sacks containing 300 litres of illegally refined diesel.
In Delta State, the Army uncovered an illegal storage hub at Ogwu in Warri South. A tanker loaded with over 10,000 litres of stolen diesel and a storage facility holding more than 20,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were found. Two empty tanks and pumping equipment were also seized.
Operations in Bayelsa State led to the destruction of refining pits in Biseni, Yenagoa Local Government Area. In Okordia, troops intercepted a Toyota Camry carrying more than 600 litres of AGO.
In Akwa Ibom State, the Army intensified patrols along known oil theft routes, restricting the movement of saboteurs and disrupting supply lines.
Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma said the operations are part of efforts to protect national assets, curb economic sabotage, and restore environmental integrity in the Niger Delta.
