Nigeria Army Officers during the operation

Author: Gist Correspondent

Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have intensified operations against oil theft across the Niger Delta, arresting nine suspected oil thieves, dismantling 10 illegal refining sites and confiscating petroleum products valued at over N250 million.

The operations, carried out between April 1 and 26, 2026, were conducted in collaboration with other security agencies across the Niger Delta Region, targeting economic saboteurs involved in crude oil theft and illegal refining activities.

According to the Army, more than 130,000 litres of stolen crude oil and over 26,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were recovered during the operations, while several equipment used for the illicit trade were destroyed.

In Rivers State, troops acting on credible intelligence 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 truck was found loaded with 45,000 litres of suspected stolen petroleum products.

At Orashi National Forest in Ahoada West LGA, soldiers uncovered a large reservoir containing over 35,000 litres of stolen crude oil. Another reservoir containing more than 26,000 litres of illegally refined AGO was also discovered, alongside several galvanized pipes used for siphoning products, which were destroyed.

At Ebocha, Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, troops confiscated 266 sacks containing 17,760 litres of stolen products.

Similarly, in Abessa Forest, also in Ahoada West LGA, soldiers discovered four drum ovens and 50 sacks containing over 3,000 litres of crude oil, while two illegal waste pits were destroyed.

Around Okolomade in Abua/Odual LGA, troops recovered 30 sacks containing over 1,500 litres of stolen crude oil.

In Delta State, around Obazogbe Community in Ethiope LGA, troops uncovered an illegal tapping point linked to a dugout storage pit located about 500 metres away and filled with over 2,700 litres of stolen products.

In Akwa Ibom State, soldiers also discovered 45 bags containing 1,350 litres of illegally refined AGO at Ikot Ekpene LGA, while suspects fled the scene on sighting the troops.

The Army said troops also maintained strong operational dominance in Bayelsa State, restricting oil thieves from carrying out illegal activities.

The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, commended the troops for their resilience and urged them to sustain the momentum against oil theft and other criminal activities across the region.