The Nigerian Armed Forces have intensified operations against oil thieves, drug dealers, kidnappers, and separatist terrorists across several regions, recovering massive quantities of stolen crude oil and illegal arms, and arresting dozens of suspects, according to the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye.
In a statement released on Thursday, Major General Kangye said troops of Operation Delta Safe in the South-South region seized 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).
In the course of these operations, troops discovered and dismantled 18 crude oil cooking ovens, 32 dugout pits, 21 storage tanks, 17 drums, 16 boats, and 19 illegal refining sites. A cache of items including pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones, and 13 vehicles were also recovered.
Security forces arrested 42 oil thieves and other criminal elements. Among them was a notorious cult leader, Prince Johnson Ishirim, popularly known as Commander Junior, apprehended in Ahoada East LGA of Rivers State, along with 13 suspected kidnappers in various locations including Oshimiri, Warri South, and Ukwani LGAs of Delta State. The troops recovered weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and motorcycles during the raids.
In Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State, troops stormed a criminal hideout on 10 July 2025, arresting 28 oil thieves and drug dealers suspected of trafficking substances believed to be cannabis and other illicit drugs.
Meanwhile, in the South-East region, troops of Operation UDO KA sustained offensive operations, neutralizing 2 suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, ESN, and arresting 14 others. Six kidnapped victims were rescued across Anambra, Abia, and Imo States, with another 2 victims freed in Udi LGA, Enugu State, during an intelligence-led operation on 14 July.
Further efforts led to the arrest of a known IPOB/ESN collaborator on 10 July in Ihiala LGA, Anambra State. The suspect was allegedly collecting illegal levies on behalf of the group. Troops recovered a total of ₦1.5 million from the individual.
Major General Kangye also highlighted encouraging developments in the North-East and other conflict-affected regions, where troops have successfully degraded the capacity of terrorists and bandits, allowing farmers in Northern Borno, North-West, and North-Central Nigeria to return to their agricultural activities. Security forces are conducting regular foot and aerial patrols to safeguard farming communities.
Reaffirming the military’s commitment to national security, Kangye stated, “The Nigerian military, in collaboration with all stakeholders, remains committed to protecting the sovereignty of our nation and the security of our people.”
He urged the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies by reporting suspicious activities. “The support of all Nigerians and indeed the media is crucial to overall mission success,” he added.
The briefing ended with a call for continued public cooperation and prayers for the nation.
LV