The Armed Forces of Nigeria have intercepted stolen crude and dismantled illegal refining operations valued at over ₦263 million during intensified operations in the Niger Delta and other parts of the country.
According to the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, the operation—conducted under Operation Delta Safe between June 30 and July 10, 2025—led to the destruction of 15 illegal refining sites in the region.
In the course of the crackdown, troops recovered 198,482 litres of stolen crude oil, 63,846 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and 947 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). Military personnel also destroyed 24 crude oil cooking ovens, 26 dugout pits, 19 storage tanks, 21 drums, and 9 boats used in the illicit operations.
Eight suspects linked to oil theft were arrested, while troops also seized nine vehicles, various arms and ammunition, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and bomb-making components. Other recovered items included drilling machines, motorcycles, tricycles, mobile phones, and logistical equipment believed to support the criminal network.
The operation extended to parts of Delta and Bayelsa States, where security forces arrested five additional suspects in Oshimili, Ughelli North, and Yenagoa local government areas. Weapons, ammunition, and vehicles were also recovered during these raids.
Maj. Gen. Kangye said the military remains resolute in its commitment to eradicating economic sabotage and ensuring national security, particularly in Nigeria’s vital oil sector.
Counterterrorism Operations Across Regions
In the Northeast, the military reported that scores of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters were neutralised in operations across Sambisa Forest, the Timbuktu Triangle, and Gwoza. A prominent commander, Ibn Ali, was among those who surrendered in Bama, Borno State. Arms, IEDs, and other materials were recovered, and kidnapped victims were rescued in related missions across Adamawa and neighbouring states.
In the Northwest, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA launched airstrikes in Zamfara State that reportedly killed several terror leaders. Ground troops also conducted coordinated raids in Sokoto, Kebbi, and Katsina, resulting in arrests, hostage rescues, and the destruction of hideouts. Troops recovered cash suspected to be criminal proceeds, along with weapons and motorcycles.
In the North Central region, Operation SAFE HAVEN responded to multiple distress calls in Plateau and Kaduna States. Extremists were neutralised, and weapons recovered, including a locally fabricated AK-47 and rounds of ammunition found on a militia member intercepted in Barkin Ladi.
Operation WHIRL STROKE, covering Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, and Kogi states, conducted successful raids that led to the arrest of eight suspects, the rescue of kidnapped victims, and the capture of a notorious kingpin, Liamdoo Douglas Adekpe (aka Bajor), in Takum LGA, Taraba State.
Southeast: Crackdown on IPOB/ESN
In the Southeast, Operation UDO KA intensified actions against IPOB and its armed wing, ESN. Following the earlier arrest of a POS vendor linked to insurgents, further investigations led to the apprehension of a major logistics supplier in Ihiala, Anambra State. Security operatives recovered four POS machines, two mobile phones, and ₦250,600 in cash. Additional arrests were made in Anambra and Imo States.
National Outlook
The Defence Headquarters commended the professionalism and resilience of the troops, noting that recent operations across all regions demonstrate ongoing success in the fight against insecurity and economic sabotage.
It called on citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, reiterating the military’s commitment to restoring peace and lawful order nationwide. The DHQ also reaffirmed continued cooperation with other security agencies and international partners in tackling terrorism, banditry, and organized crime.
