From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
Troops of Operation Delta Safe have foiled oil theft activities valued at over N31.4 million in the Niger Delta region during their operations in May 2025, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed at the weekend.
According to a statement issued in Abuja by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, the troops also discovered and destroyed 27 illegal refining sites and over 96 pieces of equipment used by oil thieves.
Recovered petroleum products included DPK worth N31,417,880 and 1,240 litres of PMS.
Other items seized during the operation include outboard engines, metal pipes, pumping and drilling machines, hoses, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones, and nine vehicles.
Troops also recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including automatic weapons, rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated guns, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and various rounds of live ammunition.
General Kangye stated that the operations were part of a broader military strategy to safeguard Nigeria’s economic assets, especially in the oil-rich Niger Delta, and to counter threats to national security.
“The operations demonstrated our collective resolve to confront emerging threats in an ever-evolving global security landscape,” he said.
He noted that the Armed Forces, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, are engaged in both kinetic and non-kinetic missions designed to secure the country and foster economic stability.
“Our forces are conducting operations with utmost precision and a clear focus on minimizing collateral damage while ensuring the safety of civilian populations, in line with global operational standards,” the military spokesperson added.
General Kangye assured the public of the military’s commitment to transparency and timely updates on its activities across all operational theatres in the country.