The Nigerian Army has intensified its crackdown on oil theft in the Niger Delta, dismantling illegal refining operations, arresting suspects, and recovering petroleum products valued at about ₦250 million.
According to a statement issued in Port Harcourt by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Jonah Danjuma, troops operating under the 6 Division carried out coordinated operations between April 1 and April 26, 2026, across Rivers State, Delta State, Akwa Ibom State, and Bayelsa State.
The operations led to the arrest of nine suspected oil thieves and the dismantling of 10 illegal refining sites. In addition, troops recovered over 130,000 litres of stolen crude oil and more than 26,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil.
In Rivers State, multiple interceptions were recorded across key locations. At Ukpeye Community along the East-West Road in Ahoada East Local Government Area, troops recovered an abandoned truck carrying about 45,000 litres of suspected stolen petroleum products. At the Orashi National Forest in Ahoada West, a large storage reservoir containing over 35,000 litres of crude oil was discovered, alongside another holding more than 26,000 litres of illegally refined diesel. Equipment used in siphoning operations was subsequently destroyed.
Further operations in Ebocha, Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area led to the recovery of 266 sacks containing approximately 17,760 litres of stolen products. At Abessa Forest in Ahoada West, troops uncovered four drum ovens and 50 sacks with over 3,000 litres of crude oil, while waste pits linked to illegal refining were also dismantled. Additional recoveries included 30 sacks containing about 1,500 litres of crude oil at Okolomade in Abua/Odual Local Government Area.
In Delta State, troops identified a tapping point near Obazogbe Community in Ethiope Local Government Area, with a nearby dugout storage pit holding about 2,700 litres of stolen products.
Operations in Akwa Ibom State led to the recovery of 45 bags containing approximately 1,350 litres of illegally refined diesel in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area. Suspects reportedly fled the area on sighting security personnel. In Bayelsa State, troops maintained operational pressure, limiting the activities of oil theft networks across the area.
The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Emmanuel Emekah, commended the troops for their performance and urged sustained efforts in tackling crude oil theft and related economic crimes in the region.
The latest enforcement actions reflect ongoing security operations aimed at curbing illegal refining and safeguarding Nigeria’s oil infrastructure.