The Joint Task Force in the South-South, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), has foiled oil theft worth over N19 million and arrested 39 suspects linked to various criminal activities between September 13 and September 21, 2025.

During the operations, OPDS troops also rescued five kidnap victims and neutralised several suspected criminals. In a related development, troops of Operation Udo Ka (OPUK) in the South East killed some terrorists and criminals, arrested six suspects, and rescued three kidnapped victims. They also recovered weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Director of Defence Media Operations, Brig.-Gen. Markus Kangye, disclosed this during a briefing yesterday in Abuja.He said the foiled oil theft included 14,760 litres of stolen crude oil, 3,720 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and 625 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). Troops also discovered and destroyed 14 crude oil cooking ovens, seven dugout pits, 11 boats, eight storage tanks, and 16 illegal refining sites.

Kangye explained that the arrests comprised 19 oil thieves and 16 suspected criminals in Ika North, Sapele, and Bomadi councils of Delta State, as well as Obubra and Mbo councils of Cross River and Akwa Ibom states. Three kidnap victims were also rescued during the operations.

Additionally, four other suspects were apprehended in Warri South and Ethiope councils of Delta State, as well as Yenagoa and Onna councils of Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom states.

In the South-East, Kangye said troops conducted offensive operations in Njaba and Mbaitoli councils of Imo State, Bakassi and Obubra councils of Cross River.

and Ezeagu and Orumba North councils of Enugu and Anambra states between September 17 and September 23, leading to arrests and further rescues.