The Armed Forces of Nigeria have recovered stolen petroleum products worth over ₦291 million in major crackdown operations against oil theft in the Niger Delta in one week.
This disclosure was made by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye.
In a briefing held on Thursday in Abuja, Kangye disclosed that between July 10 and 17, troops under Operation DELTA SAFE intensified the fight against economic sabotage, particularly illegal oil bunkering and refining.
According to him, troops recovered 201,345 litres of stolen crude oil, 29,730 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and 1,759 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK).
“The military also discovered and destroyed 18 crude oil cooking ovens, 32 dugout pits, 16 boats, 21 storage tanks, 17 drums, and 19 illegal refining sites. Additionally, a cache of equipment believed to be used in crude oil theft, including pumping machines, drilling tools, tricycles, motorcycles, and 13 vehicles, was recovered.
“A total of 42 suspected oil thieves and other criminal elements were arrested. Assorted arms, ammunition, and explosives were also seized.
“Troops conducted coordinated raids across multiple hotspots, including Southern Ijaw in Bayelsa State and Ahoada East in Rivers State,” Kangye noted.
He also reported that a notorious cult leader known as Prince Johnson Ishirim, alias Commander Junior, was apprehended alongside 13 other suspects linked to kidnapping and cult activities in the region.
“These actions are a clear demonstration of the Armed Forces’ resolve to halt the bleeding of Nigeria’s economy through the theft of our commonwealth.
“Our operations are strategic, intelligence-driven, and aimed at crippling the illegal oil economy that fuels insecurity in the region,” Kangye said.
According to him, the Armed Forces have dismantled logistics chains and disrupted extremist activity across the country.
The Defence Headquarters said that the Armed Forces, working in collaboration with other security agencies, are deploying a mix of kinetic and intelligence-driven strategies to crush terrorism and extremist violence nationwide.
According to him, the Armed Forces are not only focused on eliminating terrorists in combat but are equally committed to breaking their supply chains, dislodging their hideouts, and restoring normalcy to affected communities.
“In the North East, where Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) remain active, Operation Hadin Kai launched an intensified assault on terrorist enclaves across Borno and Yobe States.
“Ground and air components of the operation targeted strongholds in Tangalaga, Bula Marwa, Mandara Girau, Kala Balge, and New Marte, killing scores of insurgents.
“Troops also destroyed logistics bases, arrested 11 terrorist collaborators, and safely detonated several improvised explosive devices (IEDs),” DHQ reported.
According to DHQ, in an intelligence-led operation, two members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers were arrested in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State while receiving a suspicious consignment that included military uniforms and high-voltage batteries—materials suspected to be destined for terrorist use.
“Another major arrest involved 65-year-old Shaibu Bulama, a known logistics supplier to insurgents, apprehended at Damasak Motor Park in Yobe State.
“These arrests disrupted key supply lines vital to insurgent operations,” the DHQ said.
The military also reported the surrender of 16 family members of terrorists—four adult women and 12 children—in Bama, Borno State.
This surrender, according to military investigations, came from individuals linked to the Bakura Jega terror cell.
The military believes the increasing rate of defections and surrenders is a direct consequence of intensified military pressure on insurgent camps.
“In the North West, Operation Fasin Yamma took the fight to terror groups operating in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi States, and arrested three suspected gunrunners found with nine AK-47 rifles and over 450 rounds of ammunition.
“That same day, Gambo Sani, an extremist and kidnap ringleader, was arrested in Toro, Bauchi State,” it added.
Troops under Operation Safe Haven and Operation Whirl Stroke killed several insurgents, rescued hostages, and arrested over 20 suspects, including individuals linked to armed militias and drug syndicates.
“One notable interception on July 9 involved a bullet-riddled vehicle on the Jos–Sanga Road.
“Troops recovered weapons, ammunition, ₦13.7 million in suspected ransom funds, and arrested two individuals who allegedly attempted to bribe their way to freedom.
“Under Operation UDO KA, troops eliminated two suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), and arrested 14 others in operations across Anambra, Abia, Imo, and Enugu States.
“Six kidnapped victims were rescued in the process. In a related operation, troops arrested an IPOB tax collector sent by terrorists to extort funds from locals in Ihiala, Anambra State.
“The suspect was found with ₦1.5 million in collected levies,” the military reported.
Kangye also announced that the heightened counterterrorism operations have paved the way for the resumption of farming in parts of Borno, North West, and North Central Nigeria.
“Once under the control or threat of terrorists, several communities are now being secured for agricultural activity, thanks to persistent patrols and clearance operations by the military,” he added.
Kangye said that the Armed Forces remain unwavering in their commitment to eradicating terrorism from Nigeria.
He urged the public to support the military’s efforts by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activity, stressing that counterterrorism success requires strong collaboration between security agencies, the media, and the civilian population.
“As we consolidate on these gains, we call on all Nigerians to play their part in this fight.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces will continue to uphold constitutional order, protect civilians, and maintain operational transparency,” Kangye stated.
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