Troops of the Nigerian Army have intensified their crackdown on oil theft in the Niger Delta, seizing large volumes of stolen crude and dismantling multiple illegal refining operations across the region.
The operations, conducted between April 1 and April 26, 2026, resulted in the confiscation of over 130,000 litres of stolen crude oil and more than 26,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil. Authorities estimate the value of the recovered products at about ₦250 million.
Security forces also arrested nine suspected oil thieves and shut down at least 10 illegal refining sites during the coordinated raids carried out in collaboration with other agencies.
In Rivers State, troops executed several intelligence-led operations across creeks and inland areas. At Ukpeye community in Ahoada East, an abandoned truck loaded with about 45,000 litres of stolen petroleum products was intercepted.
Further operations in the Orashi National Forest uncovered a large storage reservoir containing more than 35,000 litres of crude oil. Another site yielded over 26,000 litres of illegally refined diesel, along with equipment used for siphoning petroleum products.
Additional raids in Ebocha led to the seizure of sacks containing thousands of litres of stolen oil, while illegal refining infrastructure, including drum ovens and waste pits, were destroyed in forest locations within the state.
In Delta State, troops uncovered an illegal connection point linked to a hidden storage pit filled with stolen petroleum products. Similar discoveries were made in Akwa Ibom, where several containers of refined diesel were recovered after suspects fled on sighting security operatives.
Operations in Bayelsa State also restricted the movement and activities of oil thieves, further tightening security across the region.
The General Officer Commanding the 6 Division commended the troops for their efforts and urged them to maintain pressure on criminal networks involved in oil theft and economic sabotage.
Oil theft remains a major issue in the Niger Delta, causing significant financial losses and environmental damage. However, the military has reiterated its commitment to sustaining operations aimed at dismantling illegal refining activities and restoring order in the region.
