Troops of Operation Delta Safe have dismantled 19 illegal oil refining sites and thwarted crude oil theft estimated at over N291 million in the Niger Delta region within the last week, the Defence Headquarters disclosed on Thursday.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, stated that the military has ramped up its offensive against economic saboteurs.
He revealed that troops destroyed 18 crude oil cooking ovens, 32 dugout pits, 21 storage tanks, 17 drums, and 16 boats used for illicit refining and transportation of petroleum products.
According to Kangye, “Our troops recovered over 201,000 litres of stolen crude oil, nearly 30,000 litres of illegally refined diesel, and more than 1,700 litres of kerosene. These efforts underscore our commitment to ending criminal exploitation of Nigeria’s natural resources.”
Forty-two suspects were arrested in connection with the oil theft operations, while security personnel also recovered arms, explosives, pumping and drilling machines, motorcycles, tricycles, and 13 vehicles used by the syndicates. Kangye added that some kidnapped victims were rescued in the course of the operations.
In related operations across Rivers and Delta States, security forces apprehended a notorious cult leader, Prince Johnson Ishirim, popularly known as Commander Junior, along with 13 other suspected kidnappers. The arrests took place in Ahoada East, Oshimili, Warri South, and Ukwani Local Government Areas. Weapons and vehicles were recovered from the suspects.
In Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, troops arrested 28 suspected oil thieves and several drug peddlers during a raid on a criminal enclave.
Meanwhile, in the South-East region, troops under Operation Udoka neutralized two armed men believed to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network.
Fourteen suspects were arrested and six kidnapped persons rescued during coordinated raids in Anambra, Abia, and Imo States.
Troops also conducted an intelligence-driven operation in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State on July 14, where they rescued two abducted individuals.
In another breakthrough in Ihiala LGA of Anambra, soldiers apprehended a man accused of collecting illegal taxes on behalf of IPOB and recovered N1.5 million allegedly extorted from local residents.
In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai, working alongside air units and local security outfits, launched clearance operations across Borno and Yobe States.
Multiple Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters were neutralized, and several others, including women and children, surrendered. Eleven collaborators were detained, and seven kidnap victims were freed.
Troops also recovered arms, ammunition, and improvised explosive devices. In Yobe, a 65-year-old logistics supplier, Shaibu Bulama, was caught while receiving suspicious consignments.
Elsewhere, coordinated raids under Operations Fasin Yamma and Safe Haven in Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Niger, and Katsina States resulted in the neutralisation of several terrorists, arrest of nine suspects, and rescue of seven kidnapped persons.
In Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto, troops arrested three alleged arms traffickers and recovered nine AK-47 rifles and 450 rounds of ammunition.
In Plateau State, troops intercepted a vehicle riddled with bullet holes and recovered weapons, a car, and N13.7 million in cash.
Two suspects reportedly attempted to bribe their way through a checkpoint but were apprehended.
Operations under the Whirl Stroke initiative also yielded results in Taraba and Benue States, where troops arrested 13 suspects, rescued five hostages, and seized weapons, motorcycles, and various illicit substances during raids that extended into Kogi and Nasarawa States.
Reaffirming the military’s resolve, Major General Kangye said, “Our commitment to restoring peace and protecting the integrity of the nation remains unwavering. We urge Nigerians to remain vigilant, report suspicious movements, and continue to support our security forces.”
He further emphasised the need for public cooperation and media partnership, adding, “The support of the Nigerian people and the media is vital to the success of our mission. Transparency and accountability will continue to define our operations.”
