Troops of OPERATION DELTA SAFE, have thwarted the oil theft of N869,283,765bn, and arrested 49 perpetrators involved with the crime.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, made the disclosure in a statement on Friday, in which he gave details of ongoing military operations between 3 and 10 April, 2025.
A breakdown of the stolen crude products include: 325,990 litres of stolen crude oil, 24,645 litres of illegally refined AGO and 19,500 litres of PMS while 1,600 litres of engine oil were also recovered.
Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 86 crude oil cooking ovens, 181 dugout pits, 25 boats, a speedboat, 18 storage tanks, 316 drums and 22 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include generator set, jack, galvanized pipes, pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones and 18 vehicles.
Furthermore, troops recovered huge quantities of assorted arms including various kinds of machine guns, RPG tubes, automatic weapons as well as locally fabricated guns and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Additionally, huge cache of assorted 7.62mm and 9mm ammunition, as well as live cartridges were also recovered.
Across the various theatres of operations in the North East, North West, North Central South-South and other regions, troops sustained the onslaught against criminal elements intent on disrupting peace and stability.
In the Northeast, troops of OPERATION HADIN KAI successfully repelled an attack on them by terrorists in Gwoza LGA of Borno state, and re overed some weapons. Also, scores of terrorists, comprising adult males, adult females and some children, surrendered to troops within the theatre of operation following the ongoing onslaught on them by the gallant troops.
In the Northwest, activities of troops of OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA, including offensives and air interdiction led to the thwarting of terrorists’ attack and their subsequent elimination as well as the recovery of weapons. Specifically, troops, acting on credible intelligence, arrested 2 suspected Lakurawa terrorist members in Arewa and Tangaza LGAs of Kebbi and Sokoto states, and also recovered weapons, a motorcycle, beverages and the sum of N4,450.00.
The joint task force OPERATION WHIRL PUNCH in the Northwest also recorded successes with the arrest of 4 suspected criminals in Oredo, Orhionmwon and Ovia South LGAs of Edo State. During operations conducted in Baruten, Wukari and Karim Lamido LGAs of Kwara and Taraba States respectively, some extremists/kidnappers were neutralized, while 6 of them were arrested. Recovered from them were AK-47 rifles, dane guns, unexploded ordnances and extra magazines, motorcycles and mobile phones.
Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN in the NorthCentral region conducted various operations which led to the neutralization of several violent extremists in Wase, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Bassa, Riyom and Jos North LGAs of Plateau state as well as Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna state after an exchange of gun fire, and the arrest of others. Troops also rescued 3 kidnapped victims and recovered weapons, vehicles, motorcycles, some cows and the sum of N89,800
In the South East, troops of OPERATION UDO KA made contact with violent extremists in Aba North and Ukwa East LGAs of Abia State as well as Okigwe, Orsu and Aguata LGAs of Imo state.
In similar operations, troops made contact with terrorists in Uzo-Uwani and Ndoni LGAs of Enugu and Rivers States respectively. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized a terrorists leader, Nkwachi Eze (aka Onowu) and several extremists, arrested some and rescued 3 kidnapped victims.
Items recovered from the criminals include AK-47 rifles, locally fabricated rifles, pump action guns, locally made pistol, assorted rounds of ammunition, extra magazines and IEDs. Vehicles, motorcycles and mobile phones and customized clothes with Biafra Liberation Army inscribed on them were also recovered from them.
Kangye reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the defense of the nation’s sovereignty and the protection of all law-abiding citizens.
“Our operations across all theatres remain focused, intelligence-driven, and in line with the highest standards of professionalism and respect for human rights. We recognize the sacrifices made daily by our gallant troops, and we salute their courage and dedication”, he said.
