Troops of the Armed Forces have foiled the oil theft of N217,664,618.00 in anti- oil theft operations carried out in the month of November.
Recently appointed Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this during his maiden media press briefing with defence correspondents at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja on Thursday,
A breakdown of the figure reveals 201,700 litres of crude oil and 88,177 litres of AGO, even as 16 illegal refining sites were also destroyed.
Onoja noted that despite the diverse security challenges confronting the country, Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) collaborating with other security agencies, have sustained intensive operations to protect civilians, dismantle criminal networks and stabilize affected communities.
According to him, troops have maintained clearance operations, targeted air and maritime interdictions, and intelligence-led raids aimed at degrading criminal elements and restoring security, and significant progress has been recorded such as the neutralisation/arrest of several criminals, arms recovery , hostages rescued, and several terrorist and bandit enclaves dismantled.
“The AFN acknowledges the professionalism of personnel across the services, the support of the Nigeria Police and other agencies, and the cooperation of citizens who continue to provide timely and actionable intelligence”, he said.
Onoja also disclosed the outcomes of operations of troops across the various theatres of operation in the country.
For instance in the northeast, troops of OPERATION HADIN KAI sustained pressure on Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS fighters, denying them freedom of movement through coordinated ground and air operations alongside hybrid forces and local security groups.
From 27 November – 3 December 2025, operations were conducted in Mafa, Ngala, Ngazai, Konduga, Bama, Askira Uba and Chibok LGAs in Borno State, as well as Madagali and Song LGAs in Adamawa State. Several terrorists were neutralised, six informants and logistics suppliers arrested, and five kidnapped victims rescued. Weapon caches, vehicles, motorcycles and camps were also recovered and destroyed.
ON 26 November 2025, the Air Component executed multiple Close Air Support missions for ground troops in Dikwa, New Marte and Gajibo, boosting their effectiveness against ISWAP/BH elements.
Troops of OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA in the northwest maintained a high operational tempo across Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa and Kebbi States, where several terrorists were neutralised, 13 arrested, and nine kidnapped victims rescued. Weapons, vehicles, livestock and household items were recovered during the operations.
In the Northcentral region, troops of OPERATION ENDURING PEACE responded to distress calls and conducted offensive, ISR and air-supported operations in Plateau and Kaduna States between 27 – 29 November 2025. Several extremists were neutralised, 16 suspects arrested and 10 kidnapped victims rescued. Weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and vehicles were recovered.
Also in the northcentral, troops of OPERATION WHIRL STROKE conducted raids, cordon-and-search operations and dismantled extremist structures in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States from 27 November to 2 December 2025. Several extremists were neutralised, 20 suspects arrested and six kidnapped victims rescued, with arms, ammunition, vehicles and livestock recovered.
Additional operations in Kogi State and the FCT between 27 November – 3 December 2025 led to the neutralisation of several extremists, arrest of 12 suspects and rescue of 14 kidnapped victims. Weapons were also recovered
In Bayelsa, Delta, Imo and Rivers States, troops of OPERATION DELTA SAFE foiled over N12,120,020.00 worth of oil theft, seizing 11,850 litres of crude oil and 540 litres of AGO. Four illegal refining sites were destroyed and 25 suspects arrested, with assorted arms recovered.
Troops also conducted offensive operations and air reconnaissance between 27 – 29 November 2025, neutralising several criminals and arresting three suspects, along with weapons seizures.
Troops of OPERATION UDO KA in the southeast sustained offensive operations in Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia and Cross River States. Several terrorists were neutralised, four arrested and four kidnapped victims rescued. Arms, ammunition, vehicles and IED-making materials were recovered.
Between 28 November – 2 December 2025, the Air Component conducted interdiction missions in Ezeagu LGA of Enugu State, with battle damage assessment confirming multiple terrorist casualties and destruction of their camps and logistics.
While commending troops, on behalf of yhe Armed Forces, for their bravery, the Director urged them to sustain the momentum.
He further emphasised the importance of credible information from the public and encouraged support for veterans through the Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem launched by the President on 2 December 2025.
“The military remains committed to operating within the law and will continue to intensify operations until peace is restored nationwide”, Onoja said, while assuring citizens that all necessary measures are being taken to secure the safe rescue of the remaining abducted students.
