Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have foiled oil theft valued at over N263 million during operations conducted between June 30 and July 10, 2025, across various theatres of operation.
The coordinated missions, carried out in collaboration with Hybrid Forces and other security agencies, also resulted in the elimination of scores of terrorists, arrests of criminal elements, and the rescue of several kidnapped victims.
According to the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, troops operating under Operation DELTA SAFE in the South-South region uncovered and dismantled illegal refining infrastructure including 24 crude oil cooking ovens, 15 illegal refining sites, and 9 boats used in the transportation of stolen products. Recovered items included 198,482 litres of stolen crude oil, 63,846 litres of illegally refined diesel (AGO), and 947 litres of petrol (PMS).
In addition to the economic sabotage thwarted, troops arrested 8 oil thieves, seized 9 vehicles, and recovered assorted arms, ammunition, explosives, and other equipment used in criminal operations.
Meanwhile, in the North-East theatre, troops of Operation HADIN KAI intensified operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents, particularly in Sambisa Forest, the Timbuktu Triangle, and other flashpoints.
These operations resulted in the elimination of several terrorists, with some of their collaborators arrested and four kidnapped victims rescued. Notably, a high-profile terrorist commander, Ibn Ali, surrendered to troops in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State along with weapons and ammunition. Troops also recovered cash amounting to N822,500, defused improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and destroyed enemy hideouts.
In Zamfara State, coordinated air and ground strikes under Operation FANSAN YAMMA neutralized several terrorist leaders and fighters in areas including Jam-Gemu, Maskekari, Yarbuga, and Kinduntu villages. Similar successes were recorded during routine patrols and clearance operations in parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, and Katsina States, leading to arrests, rescues, and the recovery of arms, motorcycles, and cash.
Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN responded to security threats in Plateau and Kaduna States, eliminating extremists, arresting 18 suspects, and rescuing 7 kidnapped victims. In a separate operation on July 6, troops foiled an ambush along the Kafi-Abu-Rakwok road in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area and recovered weapons including a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and 30 rounds of ammunition.
Similarly, troops under Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded successes in Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi States, and the Federal Capital Territory. Eight extremists were arrested and two kidnapped victims rescued. Among those apprehended was a notorious criminal kingpin, Liamdoo Douglas Adekpe, alias “Bajor”, in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State, found in possession of dangerous weapons and other incriminating items.
In the South-East, operations under Operation UDO KA led to the arrest of a key logistics supplier and sponsor of the Mother Valley IPOB/ESN Camp. Acting on intelligence following the arrest of a POS vendor on June 26, troops apprehended the suspect in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State on July 2. Recovered items included N250,600, four POS machines, and mobile phones. Further arrests of IPOB/ESN informants were made in Anambra and Imo States.
Major General Kangye reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation and tackling all forms of criminality. He commended the professionalism and resilience of troops and acknowledged the continued support from Nigerians, partner security agencies, and the international community. He called on citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, emphasizing that the military will not rest until peace is fully restored across Nigeria.
LV