Troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army have intensified operations against oil theft in the Niger Delta, arresting nine suspected oil thieves and dismantling 10 illegal refining sites across Rivers, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states. The military action, carried out between April 1 and April 26, 2026, led to the seizure of over 130,000 litres of stolen crude oil and more than 26,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, with the total value of recovered products estimated at over ₦250 million. The operations, which targeted oil theft networks operating in creeks, forests, and remote communities, were coordinated with other security agencies to disrupt criminal activities in the region.
The Acting Deputy Director of Public Relations for the 6 Division, Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, confirmed the developments in a statement issued on Sunday in Port Harcourt. He cited the General Officer Commanding, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, who emphasized the need for sustained pressure on economic saboteurs. “Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, working closely with other security agencies, have continued to dominate the Niger Delta Region operational landscape, recording significant operational successes,” Emekah said. The military’s focus has been on dismantling infrastructure used in illegal refining and intercepting stolen petroleum products before they reach the market.
In Rivers State, troops intercepted an abandoned truck with registration number KMC 310 ZV Kano at Ukpeye Community along the East-West Road in Ahoada East Local Government Area. The vehicle was loaded with 45,000 litres of stolen petroleum products. In the same area, a massive reservoir containing over 35,000 litres of stolen crude oil was uncovered in the Orashi National Forest in Ahoada West LGA. Another reservoir with over 26,000 litres of illegally refined AGO was also discovered, and several siphoning pipes were destroyed. At Ebocha, Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, 266 sacks containing about 17,760 litres of stolen products were confiscated.
Further operations in Abessa Forest, Ahoada West, yielded four drum ovens, 50 sacks with over 3,000 litres of crude oil, and two waste pits used for refining, all of which were destroyed. Around Okolomade in Abua/Odual LGA, 30 sacks with more than 1,500 litres of stolen crude oil were recovered. In Delta State, an illegal tapping point was found in Obazogbe Community, Ethiope LGA, along with a storage pit 500 metres away holding over 2,700 litres of stolen products. In Akwa Ibom State, 45 bags containing about 1,350 litres of illegally refined AGO were recovered in Ikot Ekpene LGA, with suspects fleeing the scene.
The Army also reported continued dominance in Bayelsa State, restricting the movement of oil thieves and denying them access to critical facilities. Several pieces of equipment used in illegal refining were destroyed during the operations. The military remains committed to intensifying efforts to curb oil theft and related crimes, ensuring the protection of national assets and the stability of the region. These operations reflect a broader strategy to restore security and economic order in the Niger Delta.
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