Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have sustained a high tempo of operations across the Niger Delta Region, recording significant gains against economic saboteurs between April 1 and 26, 2026.
In a statement, Acting Deputy Director 6 Division Army Public Relations Lieut. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma said the operations led to the arrest of nine suspected oil thieves, the dismantling of 10 illegal refining sites, and the recovery of more than 130,000 litres of stolen crude oil, alongside over 26,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Several items of equipment used in illicit refining activities were also destroyed. The recovered products are estimated to be worth over ₦250 million.
In Rivers State, troops conducted a series of targeted operations across creeks, forests, and hinterlands. Acting on credible intelligence, they 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 suspected stolen petroleum products.
Further operations at the Orashi National Forest in Ahoada West Local Government Area led to the discovery of a large reservoir containing over 35,000 litres of stolen crude oil. Troops also uncovered another reservoir holding more than 26,000 litres of illegally refined AGO, with associated siphoning equipment destroyed.
At Ebocha in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, troops recovered 266 sacks containing 17,760 litres of stolen products. Additional seizures were recorded at Abessa Forest in Ahoada West, where four drum ovens and 50 sacks containing over 3,000 litres of crude oil were discovered and destroyed, alongside two waste pits. Around Okolomade in Abua/Odual Local Government Area, troops found 30 sacks with over 1,500 litres of stolen crude oil.
In Delta State, troops uncovered an illegal tapping point at Obazogbe Community in Ethiope Local Government Area, linked to a storage pit located about 500 metres away and containing over 2,700 litres of stolen products.
Similarly, in Akwa Ibom State, troops discovered 45 bags containing about 1,350 litres of illegally refined AGO at Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area. Suspects reportedly fled the scene on sighting the troops, abandoning the products.
Operations in Bayelsa State also recorded dominance, with troops effectively restricting the activities of oil thieves and denying them operational freedom.
The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, commended the troops for their resilience and professionalism. He urged them to sustain the momentum in the ongoing fight against oil theft and other economic crimes across the Niger Delta.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to safeguarding national economic assets and maintaining security in the region.
