The Nigerian Army has recorded another significant success in the fight against oil theft in the Niger Delta region, destroying 10 illegal refining sites, confiscating over 130,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 26,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO/diesel) valued at more than N250 million, and arresting nine suspected oil thieves.
The operations, conducted between April 1 and April 26, 2026, by troops of the 6 Division Nigerian Army in collaboration with other security agencies, spanned Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa states.
Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, who disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday, said the troops have continued to dominate the operational landscape of the Niger Delta, recording significant successes against economic saboteurs.
“The operations… led to the arrest of nine suspected oil thieves, the deactivation of 10 illegal refining sites, and the confiscation of over 130,000 litres of stolen crude oil, as well as over 26,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Several equipment used for oil theft were also destroyed,” the statement read.
“The confiscated products are worth over Two Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (₦250,000,000.00).”
Notable seizures in Rivers State included: An abandoned truck with registration number KMC 310 ZV Kano, loaded with 45,000 litres of stolen products at Ukpeye Community along the East-West Road in Ahoada East Local Government Area. A massive reservoir containing over 35,000 litres of stolen crude oil at Orashi National Forest in Ahoada West LGA.
Another reservoir with over 26,000 litres of illegally refined AGO, along with galvanised pipes used for siphoning, which were destroyed. 266 sacks containing 17,760 litres of stolen products at Ebocha, Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA.
Four drum ovens and 50 sacks with over 3,000 litres of crude oil, plus two waste pits destroyed at Abessa Forest in Ahoada West LGA. 30 sacks containing over 1,500 litres of stolen crude oil at Okolomade in Abua/Odual LGA.
In Delta State, troops uncovered a tapping point and a dugout storage pit with over 2,700 litres of stolen products at Obazogbe Community in Ethiope LGA. In Akwa Ibom State, 45 bags containing 1,350 litres of illegally refined AGO were recovered at Ikot Ekpene LGA, with suspects fleeing the scene. The Army also maintained strong operational presence in Bayelsa State, denying oil thieves freedom of action.
The General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, commended the troops for their resilience and charged them to sustain the operational tempo against economic saboteurs and associated crimes in the region.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to protecting critical national assets and curbing illegal oil activities that undermine the economy and the environment.