Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have intensified operations across the Niger Delta Region, recording significant gains against oil theft and related economic crimes.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Danjuma on April 26, 2026.
According to a statement covering operations conducted between April 1 and 26, 2026, the troops arrested nine suspected oil thieves, dismantled 10 illegal refining sites, and recovered over 130,000 litres of stolen crude oil, alongside more than 26,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
The statement noted that several pieces of equipment used in illegal refining activities were destroyed during the operations. The total value of the confiscated petroleum products is estimated at over ₦250 million.
In Rivers State, troops carried out multiple operations across creeks, forests, and hinterland communities, leading to major discoveries.
In one instance, acting on 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. The vehicle was found loaded with 45,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
At the Orashi National Forest in Ahoada West LGA, troops uncovered a large reservoir containing over 35,000 litres of stolen crude oil. Another illegal storage site in the same axis held more than 26,000 litres of illegally refined AGO, with several galvanized pipes used for siphoning destroyed on site.
Operations at Ebocha, Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA led to the seizure of 266 sacks containing 17,760 litres of stolen petroleum products.
Further raids at Abessa Forest in Ahoada West revealed four drum ovens and 50 sacks filled with over 3,000 litres of crude oil. Two waste pits linked to illegal refining were also destroyed.
Around Okolomade in Abua/Odual LGA, troops recovered 30 sacks containing over 1,500 litres of stolen crude oil.
In Delta State, troops operating around Obazogbe Community in Ethiope Local Government Area uncovered an illegal tapping point connected to a storage pit located about 500 metres away, which contained over 2,700 litres of stolen products.
Similarly, in Akwa Ibom State, troops discovered 45 bags of illegally refined AGO amounting to 1,350 litres at Ikot Ekpene LGA. Suspects reportedly fled the scene on sighting the troops.
Security forces also maintained operational dominance in Bayelsa State, effectively restricting the activities of oil thieves across the area.
The General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, commended the troops for their resilience and operational efficiency.
He urged them to sustain the momentum in the fight against oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage in the Niger Delta Region.