Army Intensifies War On Oil Theft, Arrests Nine, Rips Apart Illegal Refineries In Niger Delta

The operation also led to the recovery of over 130,000 litres of stolen crude oil and more than 26,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), with the total value of the seized products estimated at over ₦250 million.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday in Port Harcourt by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Danjuma Jonah Danjuma.

According to him, the operations, carried out between April 1 and April 26, 2026, covered Rivers, Delta and Akwa Ibom states, targeting networks involved in oil theft across the region.

He quoted the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Emmanuel Eric Emekah, as charging troops to sustain 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,” he said.

The statement noted that several raids were conducted in Rivers State, especially in creeks, forests and remote communities.

Acting on intelligence, troops intercepted an abandoned truck with registration number KMC 310 ZV Kano at Ukpeye Community along the East-West Road in Ahoada East LGA, loaded with about 45,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.

They also discovered a large storage pit containing over 35,000 litres of stolen crude oil at the Orashi National Forest in Ahoada West LGA.

In the same area, another site with more than 26,000 litres of illegally refined AGO was uncovered, while pipelines used for siphoning crude were destroyed.

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

Similarly, at Abessa Forest in Ahoada West, four drum ovens and 50 sacks holding over 3,000 litres of crude oil were recovered, alongside destroyed refining pits.

In Okolomade, Abua/Odual LGA, about 30 sacks containing more than 1,500 litres of stolen crude were also discovered.

In Delta State, troops uncovered an illegal tapping point near Obazogbe Community in Ethiope LGA, along with a storage pit 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 at Ikot Ekpene LGA, while suspects fled the scene.

The Army said its troops have continued to dominate operations in Bayelsa State, restricting the activities and movement of oil thieves.

Emekah, according to the statement, urged personnel to sustain the momentum and intensify efforts against oil theft and related crimes.

The military also confirmed that several equipment used for illegal refining were destroyed during the operations.