Sustained dominance across the Niger Delta Region (NDR) by troops of 6 Division Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, has led to the arrest of nine suspected oil thieves and the confiscation of N250m worth of stolen crude products.
Acting Deputy Director of the Division, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma disclosed this on Sunday, saying that the operations were conducted between 1st and 26th April, 2026.
A breakdown of the stolen products reveals 130,000 litres of crude oil and more than 26,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Troops also dismantled ten illegal refining sites, and destroyed equipment used for illicit refining activities.
In Rivers State, troops carried out multiple operations across creeks, waterways, and hinterlands. Acting on credible intelligence, they intercepted an abandoned truck (registration number KMC 310 ZV Kano) at Ukpeye Community along the East-West Road in Ahoada East LGA, loaded with 45,000 litres of stolen products. At the Orashi National Forest in Ahoada West LGA, a large reservoir containing over 35,000 litres of stolen crude oil was discovered.
Further operations uncovered another reservoir with over 26,000 litres of illegally refined AGO, alongside galvanized pipes used for siphoning. At Ebocha, Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, troops seized 266 sacks containing 17,760 litres of stolen products. Similarly, at Abessa Forest in Ahoada West LGA, four drum ovens and 50 sacks holding over 3,000 litres of crude oil were destroyed, along with two waste pits. Around Okolomade in Abua/Odual LGA, 30 sacks containing over 1,500 litres of stolen crude oil were recovered.
In Delta State, troops uncovered a tapping point near Obazogbe Community in Ethiope LGA, with a dugout storage pit about 500 metres away containing over 2,700 litres of stolen products. In Akwa Ibom State, 45 bags containing 1,350 litres of illegally refined AGO were recovered at Ikot Ekpene LGA, while suspects fled on sighting troops. Operations in Bayelsa State also ensured sustained pressure, denying oil thieves freedom of movement.
The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, commended the troops for their resilience and urged them to maintain the momentum in the fight against oil theft and related crimes across the region.
