Troops Dismantle 10 Illegal Refineries, Seize Oil Products Worth ₦250 Million in N’Delta
Troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army have recorded major operational gains against oil theft and related economic sabotage across the Niger Delta Region, seizing petroleum products valued at over ₦250 million within a three-week period.
The operations, carried out between April 1 and April 26, 2026, in collaboration with other security agencies, led to the arrest of nine suspected oil thieves, the dismantling of 10 illegal refining sites, and the recovery of more than 130,000 litres of stolen crude oil alongside over 26,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
According to a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, troops maintained sustained pressure across multiple states, targeting illegal refining activities and supply networks.
In Rivers State, troops acting on credible intelligence intercepted an abandoned truck loaded with 45,000 litres of suspected stolen petroleum products at Ukpeye Community along the East-West Road in Ahoada East Local Government Area. In a related operation at the Orashi National Forest in Ahoada West, a large reservoir containing over 35,000 litres of stolen crude oil was uncovered.
Further operations in the state led to the discovery of another reservoir stocked with more than 26,000 litres of illegally refined AGO, while associated siphoning equipment, including galvanized pipes, were destroyed. At Ebocha in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, troops confiscated 266 sacks containing 17,760 litres of stolen petroleum products.
Similarly, at Abessa Forest in Ahoada West, four drum ovens and 50 sacks containing over 3,000 litres of crude oil were uncovered, alongside the destruction of two waste pits used in refining activities. Around Okolomade in Abua/Odual Local Government Area, an additional 1,500 litres of stolen crude stored in 30 sacks were recovered.
In Delta State, troops discovered an illegal tapping point at Obazogbe Community in Ethiope Local Government Area, linked to a storage pit located about 500 metres away containing over 2,700 litres of stolen products.
Operations in Akwa Ibom State also yielded results, with troops uncovering 45 bags containing approximately 1,350 litres of illegally refined AGO in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area. Suspects reportedly fled on sighting the troops, abandoning the products.
The Army noted that similar dominance was maintained in Bayelsa State, where sustained operations have significantly restricted the activities of oil thieves.
Commending the troops for their efforts, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, praised their resilience and professionalism. He urged them to maintain the momentum in the ongoing fight against economic sabotage and related crimes in the region.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding national assets and ensuring that perpetrators of oil theft are brought to justice.
By TopHeadlines