The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said troops of Operation DELTA SAFE, a military task force focused on curbing oil theft and securing the Niger Delta region, have intercepted stolen crude and dismantled illegal refining operations valued at over N1.93 billion in a weeklong crackdown.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, disclosed the development during a press briefing in Abuja.
He noted that the operation led to the seizure of 1,009,733 litres of stolen crude oil, 304,811 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 3,480 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), 19,875 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and 1,600 litres of engine oil.
“In addition, troops destroyed an array of illegal refining infrastructure, including 351 crude oil cooking ovens, 418 dugout pits, 30 boats, 9 speedboats, 160 storage tanks, 721 drums, and 95 illegal refining sites,” he said.
As part of wider security operations across the country, he said the military arrested 430 suspected criminals, including oil thieves, terrorists, kidnappers, and other elements undermining national security.
He also disclosed that during the period under review, 173 kidnapped persons were rescued, while 204 terrorists and their family members surrendered to security forces.
Kangye emphasised the Armed Forces’ unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and citizens.
He outlined ongoing efforts to neutralise insurgent leaders, dismantle terrorist hideouts, and support the rehabilitation of civilians affected by conflict.
According to him, one notable success was the neutralisation of Nkwachi Eze, also known as Onowu, a wanted terror kingpin responsible for multiple attacks and kidnappings in the South-East.
In the North-Central region, he said troops arrested Buhari Umar, a notorious gunrunner and kidnapping syndicate leader operating across Gombe, Bauchi, Plateau, and Kaduna states.
Speaking further, the defence spokesperson said troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE also apprehended a five-man kidnapping syndicate in the Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa state.
“The suspects, Hassan Mohammed, Saleh Sani, Idi Yusuf, Adamu Danmai, and Hassa Bello, were taken into custody and are currently undergoing interrogation.
“Recovered items from various operations included pumping and drilling machines, motorcycles, tricycles, 42 vehicles, mobile phones, and a large cache of arms and ammunition, such as automatic weapons, rocket-propelled grenade tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated firearms, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and live cartridges”, Kangye said.
Kangye reaffirmed that all operations are conducted within the ambit of the law, respecting human rights and international best practices.
He appealed to the public for continued support and urged citizens to share credible information with security forces to enhance operational success.
“Our troops remain focused and resilient. We urge Nigerians to go about their daily activities without fear, knowing that the Armed Forces are committed to defeating terrorism, banditry, and criminality in all its forms,” he said.