The Defence Headquarters has announced the successful dismantling of 16 illegal refinery sites in the Niger Delta as part of ongoing counter-oil theft and security operations across the country.
Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, revealed on Friday that troops also deactivated 29 crude oil cooking ovens, 31 dug-out pits, and 21 storage tanks while arresting 11 suspected crude oil thieves and saboteurs. The operations prevented the siphoning of crude oil worth over ₦536.7 million and led to the confiscation of 48 smuggling boats. Additionally, security forces recovered 392,174 litres of stolen crude oil, 138,757 litres of illegally refined diesel (AGO), 830 litres of petrol (PMS), and 375 litres of kerosene (DPK). Other seized items included pumping machines, drilling equipment, motorcycles, tricycles, mobile phones, and vehicles.
Beyond the fight against oil theft, troops conducted multiple operations targeting terrorist groups, bandits, and other criminal elements. These efforts led to the neutralization of several terrorists, the arrest of gunrunners, oil theft collaborators, and violent extremists, as well as the recovery of arms and ammunition, including AK-47 rifles, RPG tubes, pump-action guns, and explosives.
In Anambra and Imo States, troops arrested three suspected terrorists and rescued four kidnapped victims. In Delta and Rivers States, six criminals—including a suspected kidnapping kingpin—were detained. Operations in Borno and Yobe States resulted in the arrest of key insurgents, including senior ISWAP fighter Abdullahi Ali. Dozens of ISWAP and Boko Haram terrorists surrendered due to intensified military pressure.
Troops repelled terrorist attacks, destroyed improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and neutralized threats in multiple states, including Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi. Security forces also targeted criminal hideouts in Plateau, Kaduna, and Kogi, leading to the arrest of extremists and the recovery of weapons, ammunition, and stolen vehicles.
Maj. Gen. Kangye reaffirmed the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property, urging citizens to report suspicious activities. “The Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities to protect Nigerians in line with our Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct for Internal Security Operations,” he stated.
