Nigerian Army seizes ₦250 million worth of stolen oil, dismantles illegal refineries in Niger Delta operations

Crime Diary

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Troops of the Nigerian Army under the 6 Division have intensified operations across the Niger Delta Region, recording significant successes against oil theft and related economic sabotage between April 1 and 26, 2026.

Operating in collaboration with other security agencies, the troops arrested nine suspected oil thieves, dismantled 10 illegal refining sites, and confiscated more than 130,000 litres of stolen crude oil and over 26,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Several items used in illicit refining activities were also destroyed. The recovered products are estimated to be worth over ₦250 million.

In Rivers State, multiple operations were conducted across creeks, forests, and hinterland communities. 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, as well as another site with more than 26,000 litres of refined AGO, alongside galvanized pipes used for siphoning, all of which were destroyed.

Further operations at Ebocha in Omoku, within Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, led to the seizure of 266 sacks containing 17,760 litres of stolen products. At Abessa Forest, also in Ahoada West, troops discovered four drum ovens and 50 sacks holding over 3,000 litres of crude oil, while two waste pits used for illegal refining were dismantled. Around Okolomade in Abua/Odual LGA, an additional 1,500 litres of stolen crude stored in 30 sacks was recovered.

In Delta State, troops uncovered a tapping point near Obazogbe Community in Ethiope East LGA, linked to a dugout storage pit located about 500 metres away and containing over 2,700 litres of stolen products. Similarly, in Akwa Ibom State, troops recovered 1,350 litres of illegally refined AGO stored in 45 bags at Ikot Ekpene LGA, with suspects fleeing upon sighting the troops.

Operations in Bayelsa State also recorded sustained pressure on oil theft networks, effectively denying criminal elements freedom of action across the state.

According to a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, commended the troops for their resilience and operational effectiveness, urging them to sustain the momentum against economic saboteurs and related crimes in the region.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting critical national assets and curbing illegal oil activities in the Niger Delta.