Troops seize 221,000 litres of stolen oil, arrest nine

By Adeyanju Esther

Nigerian Army personnel have apprehended nine individuals suspected of being involved in oil theft, alongside seizing seven vehicles and eight motorcycles utilised in these illegal activities.

According to an announcement on their social media channel, the troops also confiscated four trucks and numerous pumping machines.

Also, the military recovered more than 221,000 litres of illicitly processed oil products. This operation underscores the armys ongoing efforts to combat oil theft and related criminal activities.

The recent seizure was the result of intensified clearance efforts by the 6 Division Nigerian Army, which has ramped up operations in the creeks, waterways, and small streams of the Niger Delta Region.

This increase in activity is part of a broader strategy to restrict the movements and operations of criminal elements in the area.

The statement further noted that, in coordination with other security agencies within the Joint Operations Area, troops have successfully dismantled more than 37 illegal refining sites, uncovered 10 unauthorised connection points, and destroyed six wooden boats used for transporting stolen oil products.

The statement detailed that in Rivers State, specifically around Imo River and the Owaza and Odogwa Creeks areas, troops seized more than 15,000 litres of stolen crude oil from a large wooden boat.

In a related development, at Okoloma and Obuzor Creeks, troops achieved similar results by shutting down nine active illegal refining sites, destroying five wooden boats and several motorcycles, and confiscating over 13,000 litres of stolen oil products.

The statement also highlighted that along Ebocha Ndoni Road, troops recovered a reservoir containing over 8,500 litres of stolen oil, as well as 116 sacks filled with more than 7,000 litres of stolen products.

In the same vein, they confiscated 10 empty metal drums, 10 metal pipes, and one motorcycle. Furthermore, troops apprehended a suspect driving a Toyota Camry with the registration number KTU 423 EC Lagos, who was found in possession of over 2,000 litres of stolen oil.

Along Ndoni Obiafo Road, troops apprehended a suspect who fled upon seeing them and left behind a Toyota Sienna with registration number Lagos EPE 789 JC, which was transporting stolen goods.