Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have thwarted the theft of crude oil worth about N1,056,956,819 in the month of May.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, made this known in a statement on Friday, in which he gave details of troops’ ongoing military operations across the country.
According to Kangye, the breakdown of the product theft thwarted by troops of OPERATION DELTA SAFE consists of 853,236 litres of stolen crude oil, 214,147 litres of illegally refined AGO and 5,785 litres of DPK and 2,650 litres of PMS.
Additionally, they discovered and destroyed over 488 equipment and 97 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include, pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones and 23 vehicles.
Troops also recovered large quantities of various arms, such as automatic weapons, RPG tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated guns, and improvised explosive devices. Also, some cache of live cartridges and assorted ammunition were recovered.
In the northeast, offensive operations by troops of OPERATION HADIN KAI led to the surrender of scores of terrorists comprising adult males and females as well as children. Troops also arrested 23 terrorists logistics suppliers, collaborators and a drug peddler in well-coordinated operations conducted in Mafa, Kukawa, Marte, Ngala and Monguno LGAs of Borno State as well as Tarmuwa, Yunusari, Geidam and Potiskum LGAs of Yobe State. Recovered from them were IED making materials, armoured cables, large quantities of grains, fertilizers, PMS, mobile phones, motorcycles and vehicles, and the sum of N557,200.
In the northwest, troops of OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA conducted fighting patrols in Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara states, which led to the elimination of some terrorists and the rescue of over 100 kidnap victims using non-kinetic approach. Some weapons as well as assorted ammunition, bombs, hand grenades, vehicles, handheld radios and motorcycles were also recovered.
Troops of OPERATION SAFE HAVEN conducted offensive operations that saw the elimination of some extremists, the arrest of 6 and the rescue of one kidnapped victim. Troops acting on a tip-off arrested 20 suspected criminals/kidnappers in Zangon Kataf, Sanga and Kauru LGAs of Kaduna State. Troops conducting Counter/Anti Kidnapping and Criminality Operations, killed some extremists and rescued 3 kidnapped victims. Some arms and ammunition as well as motorcycles and livestock were also recovered from them.
In the north central, offensive operations conducted by troops of OPERATION WHIRL STROKE brought them in contact with extremists in Takum, Karim Lamido and Wukari LGAs of Taraba State as well as Ofu, Kabba-Bunu and Lokoja LGAs of Kogi State and in Akoko South East and Ukum LGAs of Ondo and Benue States respectively. During the encounters, the gallant troops eliminated some extremists, arrested 14 of them and rescued 32 kidnapped victims. They recovered arms and ammunition from them, and also destroyed several extremists’ camps and motorcycles.
Also, troops in conjunction with ONSA Team, acted on a tip-off and intercepted a vehicle conveying 2 suspected gunrunners in Abaji Area Council of the FCT. Suspects are currently in the custody of ONSA team for further action
In the South-south, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE sustained operational tempo against crude oil thieves and other criminals in the Niger Delta during the week under review. They recovered 289,373 litres of stolen crude oil, 346,460 litres of illegally refined AGO and 5,000 litres of PMS. Additionally, they discovered and destroyed 52 crude oil cooking ovens, 21 dugout pits, 11 boats, 36 storage tanks, 36 drums and 25 illegal refining sites.
Other items recovered include, pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones and 4 vehicles. Furthermore, 65 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested while assorted arms and ammunition, water jell explosive, were also recovered.
Offensive Operations carried out brought troops in contact with some criminals in Warri South and Ndokwa West LGAs of Delta State. During the encounters, 5 criminals were arrested, while oil bunkering equipment and the sum of N18,000.00 were recovered from them.
Furthermore, in the south east, troops of Operation UDO KA, through sustained offensive operations during the period under review arrested 5 suspected kidnappers, while 5 kidnapped victims were rescued in Ihiala and Nsukka LGAs of Abia and Enugu states. They also recovered arms, ammunition, IED making materials and mobile phones.
Similarly, troops raided a terrorist camp in Ugwunagbo LGA of Abia State on 22 May 2025. During the operation, troops recovered several automatic machine guns, other arms and ammunition, laptops, CCTVs, vehicles motorcycles and the sum of N11,750,000.00 as well as $27,000. Meanwhile the camp was destroyed and set ablaze.
Troops acting on credible intelligence, arrested 6 suspected criminals in Mbaitoli and Mbano LGAs of Imo State as well as Bende LGA of Abia State. They recovered arms, ammunition, over 50 ATM Cards, motorcycles, mobile phones and Biafran’ currency. The suspects were handed over to appropriate authority for necessary action.
Kangye stated that the operations demonstrated the Armed Forces’ collective resolve to confront emerging threats in an ever-evolving global security landscape.
“Our focus is to ensure the safety of our personnel while maintaining our duty to inform the public about the efforts and the principles guiding our actions. We are proud of the professionalism and resilience of our troops, who continue to serve with honour and integrity. Their sacrifices and dedication are the fulcrum of our military effectiveness, and we treasure their commitment as we discuss the complexities of the ongoing operations”, he said.
The Director reaffirmed appreciation for the dedication and professionalism of the nation’s armed forces as they carry out their mission to ensure peace and security.
“The operations we discussed today underscore our commitment to protecting national interests and ensuring that peace and security returns to all the troubled areas”, he stated, adding that the military recognizes the complexities of modern military engagements and the importance of maintaining transparency with the public.
“As we navigate these challenging circumstances, we will continue to keep the lines of communication open. Our forces remain vigilant, adaptable, and ready to overcome any obstacle”, Kangye said.
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