According to the Nigerian Army, its soldiers have apprehended nine suspects in an alleged oil theft operation and seized more than 156,000 liters of pilfered petroleum products worth more than N250 million.
According to the army, the seizure took place between April 1 and April 26 during a series of operations in several Niger Delta states.
It stated that the operations, which were conducted by the 6 Division in coordination with other security services, also resulted in the destruction of equipment used for oil theft and the dismantling of ten illegal refining installations.
Over 130,000 liters of crude and 26,000 liters of gasoline are among the seized goods, according to a statement released on Sunday by Danjuma Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations.
“Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, working closely with other security agencies, have continued to dominate the Niger Delta Region (NDR) operational landscape, recording significant operational successes”, the statement read.
“The operations, conducted from 1–26 April 2026 across the region, led to the arrest of nine suspected oil thieves, the deactivation of ten illegal refining sites, and the confiscation of over 130,000 litres of stolen crude oil, as well as over 26,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
“Several equipment used for oil theft were also destroyed. The confiscated products are worth over Two Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N250,000,000.00).
“In Rivers State, several operations were conducted in the creeks, rivulets, and hinterland. Accordingly, in a swift response to 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 (LGA).
“The truck was discovered to have been loaded with 45,000 litres of stolen products. Similarly, at Orashi National Forest in Ahoada West LGA, a massive reservoir filled with over 35,000 litres of stolen crude oil was uncovered.
“Additionally, another reservoir containing over 26,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) was uncovered, with several galvanized pipes used for siphoning the products destroyed. At Ebocha, Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, troops confiscated 266 sacks filled with 17,760 litres of stolen products.
“Relatedly, at Abessa Forest, also in Ahoada West LGA, troops discovered four drum ovens and 50 sacks containing over 3,000 litres of crude, while two identified waste pits were destroyed. Around Okolomade in Abua/Odual LGA, troops discovered 30 sacks containing over 1,500 litres of stolen crude oil.
“In Delta State, around Obazogbe Community in Ethiope LGA, troops uncovered a tapping point with a dugout storage pit located 500 metres away, filled with over 2,700 litres of stolen products. In Akwa Ibom State, troops uncovered 45 bags containing a 1,350-litre stockpile of illegally refined AGO at Ikot Ekpene LGA. The suspected oil thieves abandoned the stolen products and fled the area. Troops have also effectively dominated Bayelsa State, denying oil theft activities,” it said.
Major General Emmanuel Emekah, General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, has praised the soldiers for their tenacity. He also tasked them with maintaining the operational pace against economic saboteurs and related crimes in the Niger Delta Region.
Oil theft in Niger Delta
Recall that the Nigerian Navy has also reported that it has successfully conducted over 183 successful operations across key operational areas in the country. These operation, according to the arm of the military, resulted in the recovery of 531,500 litres of illegally refined petroleum products and the arrest of 18 suspects linked to crude oil theft and related maritime crimes.
ENigeria Newspaper gathered this when the Navy, through its Operation Delta Sanity II, which was launched on 13 January 2026 to combat oil theft in the Niger Delta, reported that it destroyed 12 illegal refinery sites, 4 storage facilities, 3 vessels/boats, and 2 wellhead or pipeline connections.
