Troops Crack Down On Oil Theft, Seize ₦250m Worth Of Stolen Products In Niger Delta

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Military operations in the Niger Delta have dealt a major blow to economic saboteurs, with troops arresting nine suspected oil thieves and confiscating products worth over ₦250 million between April 1 and 26, 2026.

The crackdown, led by the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in coordination with other security agencies, resulted in the deactivation of ten illegal refining sites. Security forces seized more than 130,000 litres of stolen crude oil and over 26,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) across the region.

In Rivers State, troops acting on intelligence intercepted an abandoned truck loaded with 45,000 litres of stolen products at Ukpeye Community along the East-West Road. At Orashi National Forest, a massive reservoir containing over 35,000 litres of stolen crude was uncovered, while another reservoir yielded 26,000 litres of illegally refined AGO.

Additional discoveries in Rivers included 266 sacks with 17,760 litres of stolen products at Ebocha, Omoku, and four drum ovens with 50 sacks holding over 3,000 litres of crude at Abessa Forest.

In Delta State, troops found a tapping point with a dugout storage pit containing over 2,700 litres of stolen products near Obazogbe Community. In Akwa Ibom State, 45 bags holding 1,350 litres of illegally refined AGO were uncovered at Ikot Ekpene LGA, though suspects fled the scene.

Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, praised troops for their resilience and urged them to maintain the operational tempo against economic saboteurs across the Niger Delta Region.