The Nigerian military has thwarted oil theft worth over ₦536,735,709.00 and neutralised scores of terrorists, recovering 392,174 litres of stolen crude oil in ongoing military operations across the country.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, Defence Headquarters.
As part of Operation Delta Safe, troops also intercepted and confiscated 138,757 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 830 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and 375 litres of Dual-Purpose Kerosene (DPK).
The troops also destroyed 29 crude oil cooking ovens, 31 dugout pits, 48 boats, 21 storage tanks, 18 drums, and 16 illegal refining sites.
According to Defence Headquarters (DHQ), during the crackdown on oil theft and illegal refining, security operatives recovered various items, including pumping and drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones, and four vehicles. Eleven suspects linked to oil theft were apprehended.
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In counter-terrorism efforts, the military neutralised numerous terrorists and apprehended several others, including gunrunners and violent extremists. Some kidnapped victims were also rescued during the operations.
The military further revealed that it conducted several air missions, including close air support, armed reconnaissance patrols, and air interdiction strikes, between March 20 and March 27, 2025.
The military noted that troops recovered a large cache of assorted arms and ammunition, including AK-47 rifles, locally fabricated guns, Dane guns, pump-action shotguns, pistols, and rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes. Various calibres of 7.62mm ammunition and RPG bombs were also seized.
According to the statement, the Nigerian military, working alongside hybrid forces, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) team, and other security agencies, maintained a high operational tempo throughout the week.
“Operations included fighting patrols, raids, ambushes, clearance missions, and search-and-rescue activities, all aimed at neutralising criminal elements and restoring peace”, the statement reads.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reiterated their commitment to safeguarding lives and properties nationwide, pledging to continue upholding their constitutional responsibilities in line with established Rules of Engagement and the Code of Conduct for Internal Security Operations.
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