Nigerian Army 6 Division Dismantles Ten Illegal Refineries and Seizes N250 Million in Stolen Petroleum

Nigerian Army troops recover 156,000 litres of stolen crude and diesel, arresting nine suspects and destroying ten illegal refineries in the Niger Delta.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 27, 2026, 6:34 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from News Diary Online

Strategic Recovery Operations Across the Niger Delta

The Nigerian Army has successfully recovered stolen petroleum products valued at approximately N250 million following a series of coordinated operations in the Niger Delta region. Conducted by the 6 Division in partnership with other security agencies, the 25 day offensive resulted in the seizure of 156,000 litres of illicit products. Lt. Col. Danjuma Danjuma, the division's spokesperson, confirmed that the haul included 130,000 litres of crude oil and 26,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, or diesel. The operations are part of a broader mandate to protect national assets and curb the influence of illegal refining networks.

Dismantling Illegal Infrastructure in Rivers State

Significant progress was made in Rivers State, where troops intercepted an abandoned truck laden with stolen crude oil along the East West Road in the Ahoada area. Further investigations led to the discovery of a reservoir containing over 26,000 litres of adulterated diesel and the destruction of siphoning equipment. In the Ogba, Egbema, Ndoni Local Government Area, specifically within the Ebocha vicinity, security forces confiscated 266 sacks of crude oil. Additional illegal refining sites and storage bags were located and destroyed in the Abessa Forest and Abua, Odual regions, disrupting the local supply chain for black market fuel.

Expanded Search and Seizure in Delta and Akwa Ibom

The military offensive extended into Delta State, where personnel uncovered a sophisticated tapping point and a storage pit used for collecting stolen crude in Ethiope. Meanwhile, in Akwa Ibom, the operation resulted in the recovery of 45 bags of illegally refined diesel. Although nine suspects were apprehended during the overall 25 day period, those involved in the Akwa Ibom segment managed to flee the scene, abandoning their products as troops approached. These localized successes indicate a persistent presence of illegal tapping infrastructure across multiple states in the region.