The 6 Division, Nigerian Army has announced the arrest of 39 suspected oil thieves in the Niger Delta region.

In a statement yesterday, by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Danjuma Jonah, disclosed that troops of the division also dismantled 18 illegal refining sites in the region.

Danjuma explained that the achievements were part of the ongoing crackdown against Crude Oil Theft (COT) as well as other associated crimes conducted in the region from March 24 to 30, 2025.

He further explained that the operations which were conducted across the Joint Operations Area (JOA) with sister agencies, led to the confiscation of over 60,000 litres of stolen products and other items recovered.

According to Danjuma “The operations conducted in Rivers State, along Ochokocho Road in Etche Local Government Area led to the interception of an inbuilt fabricated twin tank stocked with 18,000 litres of stolen products.

“Additionally, a MAN Diesel container body truck with Reg LXA 44 XA concealed with bags of Sawdust, conveying unquantified quantity of stolen products was intercepted. The suspects fled on sighting troops.”

He also revealed that, “along the Imo River, the anti COT operations progressed with several illegal refining sites, drum pots and receivers taken out, with over 15,000 litres of stolen products recovered. While around Rumuekpe Forest in Ahoada East LGA, two illegal refining sites with over 2,800 litres of stolen products confiscated. Other seizures were made around Ebocha, Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA.”

He said troops also closed up on oil thieves at Jelikri Creek in Degema LGA, with several illegal refining sites dismantled, drum ovens, receivers, hoses, metal pipes destroyed.

In Yenagoa LGA, Bayelsa State, two illegal refining sites, containing drums and cooking ovens with over 8,000 litres of stolen crude in drums and sacks were confiscated.

 “At Okighene in Southern Ijaw LGA, one illegal refining site with over 1,500 litres of crude oil and 300 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) recovered.

“At Egbokodo Itsekiri Community in Warri South LGA, Delta State, troops confiscated several jerricans filled with illegally refined AGO and destroyed several cellophanes bags used for the criminality. While in Akwa Ibom State, troops have dominated the operations landscape making it impossible for the criminals to have freedom of action,” Danjuma further disclosed.

Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Emekah has charged the troops to upscale the crackdown against oil thieves, and sustain the enabling environment for exploration activities to thrive seamlessly.

Emekeh warned oil thieves to turn a new leaf and engage in legitimate means of livelihood or be ready to face the wrath of the law.