Troops recover over ₦57b in stolen crude oil in 2024

Nigerian troops have successfully recovered over 53 million liters of stolen crude oil and other refined petroleum products, depriving oil thieves of an estimated N57 billion in 2024.

This was disclosed by Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, during a briefing on Thursday in Abuja.

He highlighted the military’s ongoing commitment to combating oil theft, safeguarding national resources, and enhancing security across the country.
The defence headquarters reported that a total of 53,101,430 liters of stolen crude oil, 9,179,181 liters of illegally refined AGO, 90,595 liters of DPK, and 156,095 liters of PMS, among other items, were recovered.

“The total value of these recoveries is estimated at ₦57,052,218,551.00”, he added.

Additionally, Buba provided an update on the military’s operations since the start of the year, which have resulted in significant gains.

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He stated that troops have neutralized 8,034 terrorists, arrested 11,623 individuals, and rescued 6,376 hostages.

In the period under review, they have also seized a substantial number of weapons and ammunition, including 4,053 AK-47 rifles, 1,123 locally fabricated guns, 731 dane guns, and 240 pump-action guns.

According to Buba, the total ammunition recovery includes 120,247 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 41,515 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 5,373 cartridges, 1,940 assorted arms, and 25,664 rounds of assorted ammunition.

He further noted that these successes were achieved across the five active theatres of operation, namely the North-East (NE), North-West (NW), North-Central (NC), South-South (SS), and South-East (SE), where troops have faced a variety of security challenges.

The military, according to him, has maintained a heightened state of readiness to protect the nation from terrorist threats and other forms of insecurity.

“The ongoing operations are crucial to the military’s strategy of neutralizing terrorist activities and creating safer conditions for citizens.

The Nigerian Armed Forces continue to adapt and improve their strategies, steadily moving toward victory in the fight against terrorism and insecurity”, Buba noted.