The Nigerian Army announced the arrest of 25 oil thieves, including four suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), for their involvement in oil theft in the Niger Delta region. In a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, spokesperson for the 6 Division in Rivers State, he detailed that the suspects were apprehended in Delta State, with over 45,000 liters of stolen oil products recovered during a recent operation.
The operation, which took place between January 12 and 19, 2025, as part of efforts to combat economic sabotage, led to the deactivation of 23 illegal artisanal refineries and the destruction of 14 boats. In Rivers State, troops seized a truck with over 15,000 liters of stolen products on the East-West road in Obia-Akpor Local Government Area (LGA) and deactivated seven illegal refining sites in the Karakarma area of Degema LGA. Additionally, over 12,000 liters of stolen oil products and four fiber boats were seized.
READ ALSO: Post Tanker explosion: Presidency aims to avoid reoccurrence
In Bille, also in Degema LGA, two illegal refining sites and several pots containing stolen products were destroyed. In the Imo Riverside area, 13 illegal refining sites and various stolen products were seized. Further, in the Oga-Ama corridor of Buguma LGA, four boats and over 2,700 liters of stolen products were recovered.
A suspected tugboat and barge carrying stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were also intercepted in Bonny LGA. In Delta State, the Army conducted a sting operation, arresting four suspected IPOB members and seizing several motorcycles transporting stolen products. In Burutu LGA, five dugout pits filled with stolen oil products were destroyed.
In Bayelsa State, the Army intercepted two Toyota Avalon vehicles transporting illegally refined AGO. Meanwhile, operations in Akwa Ibom State continue to maintain a strong presence to deter criminal activities.
Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, praised the troops for their efforts and urged them to intensify operations to prevent criminal elements, especially IPOB members, from gaining a foothold in the region.
