Troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army have arrested nine suspected oil thieves and dismantled 10 illegal refining sites across the Niger Delta region.
themomentng understands that the troops also confiscated over 130,000 litres of stolen crude oil and more than 26,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, with the total value of the seized products put at over ₦250 million.
The Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Port Harcourt.
He said the operations, conducted between April 1 and April 26, 2026, cut across Rivers, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states, targeting oil theft networks operating within the region.
Danjuma quoted the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Emmanuel Eric Emekah, as urging 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.
According to the statement, several successful operations were carried out in Rivers State, particularly within creeks, forests, and hinterland communities.
“In a swift response to credible intelligence, 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,” he said.
The truck was found loaded with 45,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
Troops also uncovered a massive reservoir containing over 35,000 litres of stolen crude oil at the Orashi National Forest in Ahoada West LGA.
In the same area, another reservoir with over 26,000 litres of illegally refined AGO was discovered, with several pipes used for siphoning destroyed.
At Ebocha, Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, troops confiscated 266 sacks containing about 17,760 litres of stolen products.
Similarly, at Abessa Forest in Ahoada West, four drum ovens and 50 sacks filled with over 3,000 litres of crude oil were uncovered, while two waste pits used for refining were destroyed.
Around Okolomade in Abua/Odual LGA, troops discovered 30 sacks containing more than 1,500 litres of stolen crude oil.
In Delta State, troops uncovered an illegal tapping point around Obazogbe Community in Ethiope LGA, along with a storage pit located about 500 metres away, containing over 2,700 litres of stolen products.
In Akwa Ibom State, troops recovered 45 bags containing about 1,350 litres of illegally refined AGO at Ikot Ekpene LGA.
The suspects reportedly fled the scene, abandoning the products.
The Army added that troops have continued to dominate operational areas in Bayelsa State, effectively denying oil thieves freedom of movement and access to facilities.
The General Officer Commanding, Emekah, charged troops to maintain the tempo of operations and intensify the fight against oil theft and related crimes in the region.
The military said several pieces of equipment used in illegal refining activities were destroyed during the operations.
