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Monday, March 23, 2026

Troops intercept stolen crude, arrest 28 suspects

The military said the operations underscore its commitment to curbing oil theft, drug trafficking and infrastructure sabotage.

• March 23, 2026
Wooden boat with stolen crude oil used to illustrate the story
Wooden boat with stolen crude oil used to illustrate the story [Credit; SweetCrude Reports]

The Nigerian Army says its troops conducting operations in the South-South and South-East have intensified crackdowns on economic sabotage and criminal activities, leading to multiple arrests and seizures.

Operational reports on Monday indicated that troops under Operation Delta Safe discovered a wooden boat laden with about 75,000 litres of stolen crude oil in the Bonny Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers.

It said that in Bayelsa, a joint operation involving troops and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) led to the arrest of 28 suspects during coordinated raids across Yenagoa, with significant quantities of illicit substances recovered.

“Meanwhile, in Ebonyi, troops under Operation UDO KA foiled an attempted vandalism of critical infrastructure at a construction site in Afikpo.

“One suspect was initially apprehended, leading to the arrest of three accomplices and recovery of cables, batteries and cutting tools,” it said.

The military said the operations underscore its commitment to curbing oil theft, drug trafficking and infrastructure sabotage across the southern region. 

(NAN)

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