Troops foil ₦3.5bn oil theft, recover 2.38 million litres of stolen crude oil.

Nigerian troops have foiled oil theft operations valued at over ₦3.5 billion in the Niger Delta, recovering a staggering 2.38 million litres of stolen crude oil.

The operation, conducted between April and June 2025 under the ongoing campaign to curb illegal bunkering and environmental degradation, reflects the military’s intensified efforts to secure the nation’s oil infrastructure and revenue base.

Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, detailed an operational report, highlighting major achievements recorded between April and June.

According to the report n the Niger Delta, troops under Operation DELTA SAFE uncovered and dismantled 174 illegal refining sites.

“These raids led to the recovery of approximately 2.38 million litres of stolen crude oil, over 600,000 litres of illegally refined diesel, more than 41,000 litres of kerosene, and about 27,000 litres of petrol.

“Vehicles, boats, and equipment used for the illegal refining and transportation of petroleum products were also seized. Twelve suspected oil thieves were apprehended and are currently under investigation”, he stated.

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Kangye described the development as a breakthrough in the ongoing fight against economic sabotage and environmental degradation in the oil-rich region.

Troops also destroyed illegal refining structures including cooking ovens, storage tanks, and dugout pits. In Akwa Ibom State, 15 civilians were rescued in Oron after being abandoned by suspected pirates.

Beyond efforts to curb oil theft, the military reported sweeping gains across multiple theatres of operation, as over 1,191 terrorists and criminal suspects were arrested, 543 kidnapped victims were rescued, and 682 members of Boko Haram and ISWAP, including their families surrendered to troops.

According to the military, the operations also led to the elimination of several notorious terrorist commanders.

“Among those confirmed dead were Amir Abu Fatimah, Auta, Abdul Jamilu, Salisu, Mallam Jidda, Maiwada, Mai Dada, and Onowu. One of the most notable breakthroughs came with the neutralization of Yellow Danbokkolo, a feared bandit leader, who succumbed to injuries sustained during a gun battle with security forces.

“Others arrested included gunrunners and kidnappers like Buhari Umar, Hassan Mohammed, and Shittu Muazu Bakassi”, the report noted.

Kangye also reported that across different regions, coordinated operations under the various military task forces continued to yield results.

In the North-East, according to him, troops in Borno and Yobe States neutralized dozens of fighters, arrested 32 others, and recovered weapons including RPG bombs and improvised explosive devices.

“In the North-West, troops carried out operations in Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Sokoto, rescuing abducted civilians and intercepting large quantities of arms”, he added.

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He further said that in the North-Central region, 22 suspects were arrested, including eight illegal miners operating within Abuja. Troops also conducted rescue missions in Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, and Nasarawa States.

Security forces apprehended 21 drug suspects and several individuals linked to the proscribed IPOB/ESN groups in Anambra and Imo States, in the South-East.

“Three of those detained were allegedly involved in the kidnapping of the NDLEA Commander in Anambra”, he reported..

Kangye emphasized that all military actions were carried out in strict compliance with international humanitarian law and the military’s rules of engagement.

He praised the courage and professionalism of troops across all theatres and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to ending insecurity in the country.

He also acknowledged the role of the media in informing the public and called for continued collaboration in promoting national security.