The Nigerian Armed Forces have foiled oil theft operations valued at over N83.7 million, dismantled dozens of illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta, and arrested more than 100 suspects linked to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.
The weekly report released by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Markus Kanye, highlighted coordinated and strategic operations against criminal elements from the North-East to the Niger Delta, yielding substantial results in human and material recoveries.
According to the report, in the South-South region, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recorded a breakthrough in the fight against crude oil theft. The military intercepted and destroyed illegal refining facilities responsible for the theft of 76,610 litres of crude oil and 8,425 litres of illegally refined AGO, with the total estimated value exceeding N83.7 million.
Troops also uncovered and demolished 11 crude oil cooking ovens, 32 dugout pits, 14 storage tanks, 10 illegal refining sites, and recovered several types of equipment, including boats, motorcycles, tricycles, drilling machines, and vehicles. No fewer than 46 suspects were arrested, and a cache of weapons and ammunition was also seized.
It also noted that in a separate operation in Bayelsa State, troops arrested 15 criminals, while in Rivers State, they responded to an armed attack on security personnel by suspected cultists in Ahoada East Local Council, arresting two and recovering weapons.
In Delta State, a suspect, identified as Frank May, who had firearms in Warri South council, was arrested while in the North-East, troops under Operation HADIN KAI achieved critical milestones, as intensified operations compelled dozens of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, including men, women, and children, to surrender across Balge, Gwoza, Kukawa, Damboa, Konduga, and Chibok Local councils of Borno State.
“In a series of offensives between June 20 and 26 security forces eliminated several terrorists, rescued five kidnapped victims, and destroyed insurgents’ hideouts and logistics.
“Additionally, 11 collaborators and logistics suppliers were arrested across Borno and Yobe states, with items, including motorcycles, vehicles, and mobile phones, recovered”, the report added.
The military also reported that troops under Operation FASAN YAMMA operating in the North-West engaged terrorists in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Niger states, killing several insurgents and recovering weapons, unexploded ordnance, and stolen property.
“A total of seven terrorists were arrested between 20 and 26 June in locations such as Faskari, Malumfashi (Katsina) and Bungudu (Zamfara), following actionable intelligence.
“In the North Central region, Operation SAFE HAVEN troops carried out counter-kidnapping and anti-crime missions in Plateau and Kaduna states, resulting in the arrest of 33 extremists and the rescue of five hostages. Operations in Jos South, Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Kauru also led to the recovery of arms, ammunition, motorcycles, and rustled livestock”, it stated.
The military further said that raids in Riyom, Mangu, and Karu councils led to the arrest of additional suspects and recovery of more weapons.
