At Least 37 Dead in Nigeria After Toxic Fumes Hit Illegal Oil Theft Operation

POLICY WIRE — Abuja, Nigeria — A clandestine effort to steal petroleum products from a commercial loading vessel ended in tragedy on Thursday, leaving at least 37 people dead. The fatalities occurred...

Editorial Desk

September 5, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Abuja, Nigeria — A clandestine effort to steal petroleum products from a commercial loading vessel ended in tragedy on Thursday, leaving at least 37 people dead.

The fatalities occurred in the oil-rich Rivers state, where victims reportedly succumbed to the inhalation of hazardous chemical fumes.

According to the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Center, the deceased were using an “illegal tapping point” to transfer crude products into their own boats.

The advocacy group noted that the victims were siphoning the oil simultaneously when the toxic exposure occurred.

Nigerian police have officially acknowledged that a fatal incident took place and confirmed that an active investigation is currently underway.

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While authorities have verified the event, police officials have provided fewer specific details than the environmental group regarding the circumstances of the deaths.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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