Troops arrest nine suspected oil thieves, destroy illegal refining sites in Niger Delta

Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have arrested nine suspected oil thieves, deactivated 10 illegal refining sites, and confiscated over 130,000 litres of stolen crude oil across the Niger Delta region.

The troops also recovered more than 26,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) during a series of coordinated operations conducted between April 1 and 26, 2026.

In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah, on Sunday, the army said the operations were carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, leading to the destruction of several oil theft equipment.

He disclosed that the confiscated petroleum products are estimated to be worth over N250 million.

According to the statement, troops intensified operations across the region, recording significant successes in curbing economic sabotage.

In Rivers State, troops acting on credible intelligence intercepted an abandoned truck at Ukpeye community along the East-West Road in Ahoada East Local Government Area.

Similarly, at the Orashi National Forest in Ahoada West LGA, troops uncovered a massive reservoir containing over 35,000 litres of stolen crude oil. Additional operations were carried out in Ebocha and Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, as well as Okolomade in Abua/Odual LGA.

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In Delta State, troops discovered a tapping point at Obazogbe community in Ethiope LGA, alongside a dugout storage pit located about 500 metres away, containing over 1,700 litres of stolen petroleum products.

Also in Akwa Ibom State, troops uncovered 45 bags filled with about 1,350 litres of illegally refined AGO at Ikot Ekpene LGA, where suspected oil thieves abandoned the products and fled.

Operations in Bayelsa State also yielded results, as troops reportedly maintained dominance of the operational environment, denying oil thieves freedom of action.

Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric-Emekah, commended the troops for their resilience and urged them to sustain the tempo of operations against oil theft and related crimes in the region.