The Defence Headquarters says troops of Operation Delta Safe have foiled crude oil theft worth N98.8 million and apprehended 13 suspects in the last two weeks.
Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, announced the development on Thursday in Abuja while giving updates on ongoing military operations across the country.
He said the troops intensified surveillance and launched multiple raids on hotspots notorious for illegal oil refining and pipeline vandalism. The operations led to the discovery and destruction of 11 illegal refining sites, seven dugout pits, nine boats, 14 storage tanks, and seven refining ovens used for processing stolen crude oil.
Kangye said the soldiers seized 992,500 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,505 litres of sodium hydroxide, 660 litres of condensate, and 5,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit valued at approximately ₦98.8 million.
He added that troops also recovered weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and boats from the suspects. The Nigerian military, he said, remains fully committed to sustaining its offensive against oil thieves and economic saboteurs operating in the Niger Delta.
“Our troops have maintained relentless pressure on these criminal elements. We will continue to dismantle their networks and protect the country’s economic lifeline,” Kangye said.
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed that the Nigerian Armed Forces would not relent until all illegal refineries, bunkering points, and smuggling routes are completely eliminated.
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Kangye explained that the latest success built on earlier operations in Bayelsa and Ondo States, where troops uncovered large-scale oil theft rings in September. In one of those operations, soldiers destroyed over 15 refining camps and intercepted two barges loaded with stolen crude near Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Similarly, in Imo and Abia States, troops under Operation UDO KA arrested several pipeline vandals who had been siphoning petroleum products from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, pipelines. Security forces recovered pump machines, hoses, and 20 jerrycans filled with diesel.
Kangye said the series of arrests and discoveries reflect the military’s growing intelligence capabilities and coordination with local communities. “We are working closely with community leaders, security agencies, and relevant stakeholders to ensure lasting peace and to stop economic sabotage,” he added.
He commended the troops for their vigilance and professionalism, urging them to remain steadfast in their mission to secure the nation’s oil infrastructure.
“We encourage residents of host communities to report suspicious activities. Oil theft affects every Nigerian
it undermines our economy, degrades the environment, and robs communities of development,” Kangye said.
The Defence Headquarters vowed to continue expanding its operations in the Niger Delta region while deploying advanced surveillance technology to monitor pipelines and waterways in real time.
