The Nigerian military has intensified its crackdown on oil theft in the Niger Delta, foiling illegal bunkering activities worth more than ₦37.5 million within one week.

The operations, carried out under Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe, led to the recovery of thousands of litres of stolen petroleum products and the destruction of multiple illegal refining facilities.

According to the Defence Headquarters, troops intercepted 24,575 litres of stolen crude oil, 9,140 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and 2,650 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) between August 7 and 14, 2025.

Troops also discovered and destroyed two crude oil cooking ovens, nine dugout pits, four boats, three storage tanks, and three illegal refining sites scattered across the creeks.

Other items seized during the operation included pumping machines, mobile phones, and two vehicles suspected of being used to transport stolen petroleum products.

During a press briefing on Thursday, Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, stated that five suspected oil thieves were arrested during the raids, along with other criminals linked to cultism, kidnapping, and armed violence in Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa States.

“Troops also recovered assorted arms, ammunition, and explosives from the suspects.

“These efforts are part of our sustained resolve to dismantle the logistics and funding networks of oil thieves, who continue to sabotage the nation’s economy,” Kangye said.

He further noted that the operation extended to Emohua, Eleme, Ahoada, and Onelga LGAs of Rivers State, as well as Patani, Isoko North, Yenagoa, and Ekeremor LGAs in Delta and Bayelsa States.

“In total, 29 suspects linked to oil theft, cult activities, and other violent crimes were apprehended,” he added.

The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s oil infrastructure and curbing the massive revenue losses caused by illegal bunkering.

“The Armed Forces, in collaboration with security agencies and hybrid forces, will not relent until peace, stability, and lawful economic activity return to all troubled regions,” Kangye stated.