Troops recover over 1.7m litres of crude oil, dismantle 156 illegal refineries

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said it recovered over 1.79 million litres of stolen crude oil and dismantled 156 illegal refining sites in an intensified crackdown on oil theft and illegal refining activities.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Marku Kangye, in a statement, noted that the military conducted extensive counter-terrorism and anti-crime operations nationwide throughout February 2025, yielding significant results.

In the South-South region, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE arrested 122 suspects and dismantled 156 illegal refining sites, according to DHQ

The Nigerian military said it recovered 1.79 million litres of stolen crude oil, 402,936 litres of diesel (AGO), and 9,175 litres of petrol (PMS) in major operations.

Security forces also seized 28 weapons and 548 rounds of ammunition while dismantling illegal refining activities, Additionally, 114 wooden boats used for oil bunkering were destroyed.

The DHQ emphasised the military’s commitment to eradicating these criminal activities, stating, “Our operations will not relent until these criminal networks are completely dismantled.”

The Nigerian Armed Forces said that they sustained their offensive against terrorism, banditry, and other crimes, neutralizing 216 criminals, arresting over 700 suspects, and rescuing hundreds of kidnapped victims across multiple military operations.

According to the statement, troops of Operation HADIN KAI continued their offensive against insurgents in the North-East. Security forces neutralized 75 Boko Haram (BH) and ISWAP terrorists, arrested 71 suspects, and rescued 75 kidnapped victims.

“Additionally, 152 terrorists and their families surrendered. During the operation, troops recovered 49 AK-47 rifles, 15 fabricated rifles, 9 dane guns, and over 2,100 rounds of ammunition.

“In the North-West, Operation FASAN YAMMA and Operation WHIRL PUNCH recorded major successes against terrorist groups. Troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA killed 88 terrorists, arrested 31 suspects, and rescued 136 kidnapped victims.”

Meanwhile, Operation WHIRL PUNCH forces neutralized 34 terrorists, arrested 124 suspects, and freed 57 kidnapped persons.

“The combined weapons haul from both operations included 77 AK-47 rifles, 24 fabricated rifles, 24 dane guns, and over 2,400 rounds of ammunition.

Security forces also made significant gains in the North-Central region. Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN neutralized 12 criminals, arrested 130 suspects, and rescued 26 kidnapped victims.

The military also reported that Operation WHIRL STROKE led to the elimination of 5 terrorists, the arrest of 172 suspects, and the rescue of 16 kidnapped persons.

“Weapons seized during these operations included 17 AK-47 rifles, 9 fabricated guns, and over 1,100 rounds of ammunition.

“In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA intensified efforts against separatist and criminal elements. Security forces neutralized 4 terrorists, arrested 24 suspects, and rescued 10 kidnapped persons. During the operation, they recovered 3 AK-47 rifles, 9 pump-action guns, and 525 rounds of ammunition”, it added.

Reaffirming the Armed Forces’ dedication to safeguarding the nation, the DHQ stated that troops remain resolute in sustaining operations against all threats to Nigeria’s security.

“We will continue to intensify our efforts to neutralize criminal elements, protect lives, and secure our national assets,” it said.

The military further urged citizens to support security agencies with credible intelligence, emphasising that collaboration between the military and the public is crucial to achieving lasting peace.