Nigerian Army Arrests 15 for Oil Theft and Bunkering in Niger Delta

Babatunji Wusu –

• The Nigerian Army apprehended 15 individuals suspected of oil theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta.
• Operations, conducted between January 6 and 12, targeted Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers states.
• The army dismantled 32 illegal refineries, seized 14 boats, and confiscated 60,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
• These efforts are part of a broader operation in collaboration with other security agencies to combat oil theft.

The Nigerian Army has arrested 15 individuals involved in suspected oil theft and illegal bunkering activities in the Niger Delta region. Lt.-Col. Danjuma Danjuma, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division in Port Harcourt, confirmed that the operations were conducted between January 6 and 12 across Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers states.

During the operations, troops dismantled 32 artisanal refineries, seized 14 boats, and confiscated approximately 60,000 litres of various stolen petroleum products. The raids began in Bille, Degema Local Government Area, Rivers, where soldiers destroyed seven illegal refineries, seized 20,000 litres of crude oil, and dismantled two boats.

In other areas, including Odagwa, Etche, Abiama, and Asa, troops seized stolen crude oil, deactivated numerous illegal refineries, and made several arrests. The soldiers also intercepted a Toyota van along Ndoni Road carrying stolen condensate, and dismantled additional refineries in Buguma, Asari-Toru, and Baberegbene.

The military efforts continue to disrupt economic sabotage in the region, with operations extending through Akwa Ibom and Delta states. These actions are part of a coordinated effort with other security agencies to curb oil theft and illegal activities in the Niger Delta.