The Nigerian Military has intensified its crackdown on oil theft in the Niger Delta, successfully foiling illegal activities and oil theft valued at over N168 million within one week.
In a series of coordinated operations under Operation Delta Safe, troops uncovered and destroyed 22 illegal refining sites, along with dozens of crude oil cooking ovens, storage tanks, and dugout pits.
The operations also led to the arrest of suspected oil thieves and the recovery of stolen crude and illegally refined petroleum products, marking a major victory in the fight against economic sabotage.
In a detailed report issued on Friday, Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, stated that security personnel made strategic advances against insurgents and criminals in the Northeast, Northwest, North Central, South-South, and Southeast regions.
According to him, The troops recovered 86,490 litres of stolen crude oil, 72,821 litres of illegally refined diesel, and 2,650 litres of petrol.
“They also dismantled an elaborate network of 72 crude oil cooking ovens, 41 dugout pits, 29 storage tanks, 22 illegal refining sites, and seized numerous tools and vehicles, including boats, speedboats, motorcycles, and tricycles. Eighteen individuals linked to oil theft were arrested, and assorted arms and ammunition were also recovered.”
He stated that in the South-South region, in addition to its fight against oil theft, Operation DELTA SAFE troops arrested 14 suspects in Rivers, Bayelsa, Imo, Delta, and Akwa Ibom States.
“A truck loaded with natural gas was intercepted, and the suspects were handed over to the appropriate authorities”, he added.
These efforts, he said, were part of the Military’s unrelenting mission to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity and protect its citizens.
“Troops operating in the Niger Delta under Operation DELTA SAFE foiled oil theft attempts worth over N168.7 million.
“In the Northeast, troops under Operation HADIN KAI recorded multiple successes. as dozens of ISWAP and Boko Haram terrorists, including women and children, surrendered to Nigerian forces.
“The troops, operating alongside hybrid forces, carried out raids and clearance missions across Gwoza, Dikwa, Bama, Chibok, Gujba, Geidam, and Yunusari Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Borno and Yobe States”, he added.
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The Military also noted that these operations led to the rescue of six kidnapped victims and recovery of arms, ammunition, motorcycles, and bicycles.
“In a separate operation between April 26 and 29, four terrorist logistics suppliers were intercepted in Bama, Kukawa, and Madagali LGAs in Borno and Adamawa States.
“Two of the arrested suspects were members of the hybrid forces, prompting military authorities to call for vigilance and loyalty among allied personnel.
“Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were also discovered and safely detonated in Abadam, Damboa, Kukawa, Ngala, and Gujba”, Kangye reported.
He also reported that in the Northwest, Operation FASAN YAMMA troops engaged terrorists across Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, and Kebbi States.
They neutralised several assailants, rescued 12 kidnapped victims, and arrested seven terrorists between April 24 and 30. Arms, ammunition, livestock, vehicles, and motorcycles were recovered during these engagements.
According to him, one notable arrest occurred on April 25, when troops apprehended a suspected terrorist at the residence of a known kingpin, Sale Makeri, in Isa LGA of Sokoto State.
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“In the North Central region, troops under Operation SAFE HAVEN engaged extremists between April 26 and 28 in Bassa, Jos North, and Kauru LGAs of Plateau and Kaduna States.
“Seven extremists were arrested and weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and a Department of State Services identity card were recovered.
“Over 17 suspected kidnappers and criminals were arrested in subsequent operations across Jos East, Jos South, Bassa, Mangu, and Sanga LGAs.
“Troops also responded to kidnapping threats in Jos South and Mangu, resulting in five arrests and the recovery of livestock”, the Military said.
