Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigerian Army has dealt a significant blow to oil theft networks in the Niger Delta, arresting nine suspected oil thieves, dismantling ten illegal refining sites, and seizing stolen petroleum products worth over N250 million during a month-long operation across Rivers, Delta and Akwa Ibom states. The operation, carried out between 1 and 26 April 2026 by troops of the 6 Division working in collaboration with other security agencies, also led to the confiscation of more than 130,000 litres of stolen crude oil and over 26,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), also known as diesel. The General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, commended the troops for their resilience and charged them to sustain the operational tempo against economic saboteurs and associated crimes in the region.
In a statement issued on Sunday, 26 April 2026, the Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, detailed the successful operations. He noted that troops had continued to dominate the Niger Delta operational landscape, recording significant successes in curbing economic sabotage. The operations spanned several states in the oil-rich region, including Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa, targeting oil theft networks operating within creeks, forests, and hinterland communities.
In Rivers State, the army recorded multiple breakthroughs, particularly in Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas. 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. The truck was found loaded with 45,000 litres of suspected stolen petroleum products. Further operations in the area led to the discovery of a massive reservoir containing over 35,000 litres of stolen crude oil at the Orashi National Forest in Ahoada West. Another reservoir stocked with more than 26,000 litres of illegally refined AGO was also uncovered in the same area, and several galvanised pipes used for siphoning the products were destroyed.
The military's efforts extended to other parts of Rivers State, including Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, where troops confiscated 266 sacks containing 17,760 litres of suspected stolen products from communities in Ebocha and Omoku. At Abessa Forest in Ahoada West, soldiers discovered four drum ovens and 50 sacks filled with over 3,000 litres of crude oil. Two waste pits used for refining were also destroyed. Around Okolomade in Abua/Odual Local Government Area, troops discovered 30 sacks containing more than 1,500 litres of stolen crude oil. The large number of sacks and makeshift reservoirs recovered suggests a coordinated network of illegal refiners operating within the state's forested terrain.
In Delta State, troops uncovered an illegal tapping point around Obazogbe Community in Ethiope East Local Government Area. A dugout storage pit located approximately 500 metres away was found to contain over 2,700 litres of stolen petroleum products. The discovery highlights the sophisticated methods employed by oil thieves, who often rely on hidden pipelines and underground storage to evade detection. In Akwa Ibom State, troops recovered 45 bags containing about 1,350 litres of illegally refined AGO at Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area. The suspected oil thieves reportedly abandoned the products and fled the area upon sighting the troops. The army also noted that its personnel maintained operational dominance in BayeIsa State, effectively denying oil thieves freedom of movement and access to facilities.
The confiscated products, comprising over 130,000 litres of crude oil and 26,000 litres of AGO, are estimated to be worth over N250 million. The army has destroyed the illegal refineries and several pieces of equipment used in oil theft. The successful operation comes amid persistent economic losses suffered by Nigeria due to crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, a problem that has plagued the Niger Delta for decades. The International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) has previously reported that the country loses an estimated 200,000 barrels of crude oil daily to theft, which severely impacts oil revenue and environmental stability.
Major General Emmanuel Emekah, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, commended the troops for their unwavering dedication and significant operational successes. He urged them to sustain the momentum and intensify the fight against oil theft and related crimes across the region. Emekah also solicited the continued cooperation and support of law-abiding citizens, stressing that actionable intelligence was critical to dismantling the criminal networks that profit from the nation's resources.
The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the nation's critical assets and ensuring that economic saboteurs are brought to justice. The arrested suspects are currently in military custody and will be handed over to the appropriate prosecuting authorities for further action once investigations are concluded. The military has also encouraged members of the public with information about illegal refining activities to promptly report them to the nearest security formation.
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