At a monthly operational briefing in Abuja on Friday, Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, said troops under Operation DELTA SAFE dismantled crude oil theft networks across the South-South, describing the development as a major blow to criminal syndicates undermining Nigeria’s oil-dependent economy.
According to him, troops arrested 59 suspects linked to crude oil theft and illegal refining activities, rescued kidnapped victims, and recovered 144,050 litres of stolen crude oil alongside 31,601 litres of Automated Gas Oil (AGO).
“Maritime and land components of the military, working with other security agencies, destroyed refining equipment and illegal processing camps hidden deep within the creeks”, he said.
The military said the operations were intelligence-driven and coordinated with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other partners.
Onoja reported that in Cross River State, troops arrested suspected gunrunners in Ugep and Adim communities before conducting follow-up raids that led to the recovery of locally fabricated pistols, ammunition, specialised tools and other weapons components.
The AFN noted that beyond kinetic operations, it is collaborating with environmental agencies to clean up oil spill sites and sensitise communities on lawful economic alternatives, in a bid to reduce reliance on illicit refining and pipeline vandalism.
Military authorities said the anti-oil theft push forms part of efforts to protect critical national assets, boost crude oil production, and improve national revenue generation amid ongoing economic reforms.
-He also reported that in the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP elements, neutralising several fighters, arresting 85 suspects and facilitating the surrender of 46 insurgents and their families.
The military said 104 kidnapped victims were rescued during coordinated ground and air offensives across Borno and Yobe States.
‘A major confrontation occurred in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, where troops repelled terrorists equipped with gun trucks, motorcycles and drones. Weapons and logistics supplies were recovered after the firefight”, he said.
Troops also intercepted a Toyota pick-up loaded with vehicle spares and fabrics allegedly destined for insurgents, as well as a truck carrying 460 bags of fertiliser suspected to be for terrorist logistics.
“Additionally, 42 illegal miners were apprehended in Yobe State for allegedly funding insurgent activities”, he added.
According to the AFN, sustained operations across Abadam, Bama, Damboa, Damaturu and Geidam LGAs have further degraded insurgent networks and opened pathways for the safe return of displaced persons.
The Director also reported that under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, troops operating in Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States neutralised several terrorists, arrested 36 suspects and rescued 251 kidnapped victims.
“A notable rescue took place in Musawa LGA of Katsina State, where 21 abducted villagers were freed and handed over to authorities”, Onoja said.
The military said it has introduced agro-security patrols to protect farmers and herders, reduce rural attacks and prevent terrorists from exploiting communal tensions.
“Zamfara State Government’s donation of 25 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) was also cited as boosting operational mobility”, he reported.
Onoja further reported that Operations SAVANNAH SHIELD, ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE across Niger, Kwara, Plateau, Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa and Kogi States recorded multiple successes against kidnappers, bandits and armed groups.
” In Niger State, troops engaged terrorists along the Kainji-Kwimo road, neutralising several fighters and recovering arms. In Plateau State, rapid deployments to Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Bassa LGAs helped quell farmer-herder clashes and restore calm.
“In Taraba and Kogi States, key suspects were arrested with arms and cash recovered, while 49 suspects were apprehended and 32 hostages rescued under Operation WHIRL STROKE”, he said.
The military said it complemented combat operations with community dialogues, youth empowerment programmes and market security initiatives to address root causes of violence.
“In the South-East, Operation UDO KA intensified actions against the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
“Troops arrested 54 suspected terrorists and criminal elements, rescued kidnapped victims and dismantled an alleged logistics hub after a gun battle that forced armed elements to retreat”, AFN disclosed.
The military said medical outreaches, community engagement and intelligence-sharing have improved public confidence and reduced violent incidents in the region.
The AFN also said February’s operations across all theatres led to the neutralisation of hostile actors, recovery of arms and ammunition, disruption of illicit networks and restoration of civil authority in previously troubled communities.
On behalf of Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff, the military leadership commended troops for professionalism and adherence to rules of engagement.
As Ramadan and Lent begin, the Armed Forces urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities via emergency line 193.
It also reaffirmed its resolve to sustain momentum in securing the country and safeguarding national assets.