The Armed Forces of Nigeria have intercepted stolen crude and dismantled illegal refining operations worth over ₦263 million.

The operation, conducted under the Operation Delta Safe between June 30 and July 10, 2025, uncovered and destroyed 15 illegal refining sites spread across the region.

A staggering 198,482 litres of stolen crude oil, 63,846 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and 947 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) were recovered.

The troops also destroyed 24 crude oil cooking ovens, 26 dugout pits, 19 storage tanks, 21 drums, and 9 boats used in the illicit trade. The sheer volume of recovered materials points to a highly organized operation.

In the process, eight suspected oil thieves and other criminals were arrested.

Security forces seized nine vehicles, various arms and ammunition, and a cache of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along with components for bomb-making.

Read also: Troops foil oil theft worth over N103m as military intensifies crackdown on economic saboteurs

Also recovered were pumping and drilling machines, motorcycles, tricycles, mobile phones, and other logistics equipment linked to the oil theft chain.

The crackdown extended to parts of Delta and Bayelsa states where troops operating in Oshimili, Ughelli North, and Yenagoa LGAs arrested five suspected kidnappers and criminals.

Weapons, ammunition, motorcycles, and vehicles were also recovered.

In a statement by Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, said the operations were part of intensified efforts by the military to combat economic sabotage and enforce national security.

It noted that the affirmed that the Armed Forces remain resolute in their determination to eliminate threats against Nigeria’s oil industry and economy.

“In the North East, troops eliminated scores of Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters in areas including Sambisa Forest, Timbuktu Triangle, and Gwoza. A significant number of terrorists also surrendered, including a high-profile commander, Ibn Ali, who laid down his arms in Bama, Borno State.

“Similar progress was made in Adamawa State and surrounding locations, where arms and IEDs were recovered, collaborators were arrested, and kidnapped victims were rescued.

“In the North West, a major offensive by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in Zamfara State led to the death of several terror leaders”, the statement reads..

The Military also noted that ground troops conducted coordinated operations in Sokoto, Kebbi, and Katsina states, resulting in more arrests, the rescue of hostages, and the destruction of terrorist hideouts.

Troops also recovered arms, motorcycles, and cash suspected to be proceeds of crime.

“Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN in the North Central zone responded to distress calls and carried out raids in Plateau and Kaduna states, neutralising extremists and recovering weapons, motorcycles, and a vehicle.

‘One militia operative was intercepted while lying in ambush to attack commuters in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State. He was found with a locally fabricated AK-47, loaded magazine, and rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

“Further south, Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded high-impact raids in Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, and Kogi states. Troops neutralised extremists, arrested eight suspects, rescued kidnapped victims, and apprehended a known kingpin, Liamdoo Douglas Adekpe, also known as Bajor, in Takum LGA, Taraba State. Dangerous weapons and criminal tools were found in his possession”, the military reported.

Meanwhile, in the South East, Operation UDO KA intensified its pressure on IPOB/ESN elements.

Following the earlier arrest of a POS vendor linked to insurgent groups, the Armed Forces noted that further investigations led to the capture of a key sponsor and logistics supplier in Ihiala, Anambra State.

“Security operatives recovered four POS machines, two mobile phones, and ₦250,600 in cash. Additional arrests were made in Anambra and Imo states, targeting individuals suspected of aiding secessionist activities”, it added.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) praised the professionalism and resilience of the Nigerian Armed Forces, noting that their commitment continues to yield results across all regions.

It also acknowledged the support of the Nigerian people and called for increased vigilance and timely reporting of suspicious activity.

The DHQ also reaffirmed the military’s ongoing cooperation with other security agencies and international partners in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and economic crimes.

The military assured citizens that the it will not relent until peace, stability, and lawful order are fully restored to every part of the country.