Troops of OPERATION DELTA SAFE have arrested eight oil thieves and other criminals following the foiled theft of N263,843,522 worth of crude products.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye made the disclosure in a statement on Friday.
He gave the breakdown as follows: 198,482 litres of stolen crude oil, 63,846 litres of illegally refined AGO and 947 litres of PMS.
This is even as troops discovered and destroyed 24 crude oil cooking ovens, 26 dugout pits, 9 boats, 19 storage tanks, 21 drums and 15 illegal refining sites.
Also 9 vehicles were seized from the criminals including some arms and ammunition as well as Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) and IED making materials.
Kangye further revealed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria in collaboration with Hybrid Forces and other security agencies intensified operations along both kinetic and non-kinetic lines of operations across all theatres between 30th June and 10th July with resounding outcomes.
For instance, in the Northeast, troops of OPERATION HADIN KAI conducted kinetic operation against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in the general areas of Platari, Sambisa Forest and Timbuktu triangle, which resulted in the elimination of scores of terrorists.
Also, as troops intensified the operational tempo across the theatre, large numbers of terrorists comprising adult males and females including children surrendered to them.
Troops also conducted operations in Gwoza, Kaga, Mafa, Ngala, Abadam, Bama, Biu, Konduga, Damboa and Dikwa LGAs of Borno State as well as Madagali LGA of Adamawa State.
During the encounters, some terrorists were killed in action, 5 of their collaborators were arrested, while 4 kidnapped victims were rescued.
Some quantities of arms and ammunition were also recovered and IEDs retrieved and safely detonated, while the sum of N822,500 was also recovered.
Similarly, a high profile terrorist commander identified as Ibn Ali, surrendered to troops with his weapons and cache of ammunition in Bama LGA of Borno State.
In the Northwest, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in conjunction with surface forces conducted a major offensive operation during which scores of terrorist leaders and commanders were taken out in the general area of Jam-Gemu, Maskekari, Yarbuga and Kinduntu villages under Waye and Kanya district in Gusau LGA of Zamfara State.
Relatedly, troops while on routine patrol made contact with terrorists in Maru and Talata Mafara LGAs of Zamfara State as well as Binji, Sabon Birni and Illela LGAs of Sokoto State.
They also conducted operations in Dankon-Wasagu and Arewa LGAs of Kebbi State as well as Matazu and Katsina LGAs of Katsina State. During these operations, the gallant troops eliminated some terrorists, arrested 5 of them and rescued 2 kidnapped victims.
Items recovered during the operations include arms and ammunition as well as motorcycles and the sum of N28,720.00, while terrorists’ camp and other equipment were burnt insitu.
Troops of OPERATION SAFE HAVEN in the North Central zone of the country also recorded successes following offensive operations as well as their response to distress calls on terrorists activities in Wase, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Riyom and Jos South LGAs of Plateau State as well as Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State.
While conducting these operations, they made contact with extremists and killed some of them, arrested 18 and rescued 7 kidnapped victims.
Some weapons, ammunition and a vehicle as well as motorcycles were recovered from them.
Relatedly, on 6 July 2025, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN while on routine patrol arrested a militia in an ambush position with the intent to attack commuters along Kafi-Abu-Rakwok road in Gashish District in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State. Items recovered from him include 1 locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, 1 AK-47 magazine and 30 rounds of 7.62mm special amongst others.
Also in the North Central, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded high level of successes in their areas of responsibility during the week. They eliminated some extremists in Makurdi, Guma and Katsina-Ala, LGAs of Benue State as well as Karim Lamido, Takum and Jalingo LGAs of Taraba State.
Widening their operations to Nasarawa Eggon and Kabba Bunu LGAs of Nasarawa and Kogi States as well as Kuje Area Council of the FCT, troops troops intercepted an armed courier. During the operations, troops eliminated some terrorists, arrested 8 of them and rescued 2 kidnapped victims. They also recovered arms and ammunition and arrested an extremist kingpin identified as Liamdoo Douglas Adekpe (aka Bajor) in Takum LGA of Taraba State. Weapons and dangerous items were recovered in his possession.
Troops of Operation UDO KAin the Southeast sustained their offensive operational tempo during the period under review. They arrested a POS vendor on the 26 June 2025, and further investigation led to the arrest of a sponsor and logistic supplier to Mother Valley IPOB/ESN Camp on 2 July 2025 in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State. 4 POS machines, 2 mobile phones and the sum of N250,600.00 was recovered from him. Also, 4 suspected IPOB/ESN members/informants were arrested in Ihialla and Ehime Mbano LGAs of Anambra and Imo state respectively.
Kangye affirmed that the AFN remains resolute and committed to defending the territorial integrity of the nation and ensuring the safety of all Nigerians.
“Our operations across the various regions are yielding tangible results, and we continue to evolve new strategies to meet emerging threats. We acknowledge the support and cooperation of all Nigerians, whose support and patriotism strengthen our resolve”, he said, while appreciating the continued collaboration with other security agencies, government institutions, and international partners in the collective fight against terrorism, banditry, and all forms of criminality.
“The Armed Forces will not relent until peace and normalcy are fully restored to every part of our country. We urge all citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities timely to the appropriate authorities. Together, we will secure Nigeria for our future generations”, he stated.
