Military Task Force Seizes N533.5 Million Worth of Stolen Petroleum Products, Destroys Illegal Refineries in Niger Delta
Troops of Operation Delta Safe, a special military task force established to combat oil theft and enhance security in the Niger Delta region, have confiscated stolen petroleum products valued at approximately ₦533,509,520 over the past week.
According to a statement released on Saturday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, the troops also dismantled a vast network of illegal refining operations. The crackdown led to the discovery and destruction of 18 illegal refineries, along with 45 cooking ovens, 30 dugout pits, and 37 storage tanks used for processing stolen crude. In addition, 51 suspected oil thieves and other criminal elements were apprehended.
Kangye provided a detailed breakdown of the recovered products, which included 550,350 litres of stolen crude oil, 13,710 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (diesel), and 350 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK). He noted that troops also recovered high-grade arms and ammunition during various operations.
In a separate operation on May 15, seven suspected drug peddlers were arrested in Warri Local Government Area of Delta State, further underscoring the task force’s broader effort to tackle criminality in the region.
Providing updates on the ongoing war against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Major General Kangye reported significant progress. Troops, operating in conjunction with other security forces and hybrid units, launched a series of offensive operations—including fighting patrols, raids, and clearance missions—across Gwoza, Konduga, Bama, Kukawa, Abadam, and Damboa LGAs in Borno State, as well as Madagali and Gujba LGAs in Adamawa and Yobe States, respectively.
During these operations, numerous terrorists were neutralized, and 14 kidnapped victims were rescued. Weapons and explosive-making materials, including mortars, IEDs, extra magazines, hand-held radios, and other military equipment, were also recovered.
Kangye further disclosed that increasing military pressure has led to the surrender of many terrorists, including men, women, and children, who gave themselves up voluntarily to the military.
In separate operations conducted between May 15 and 19, troops arrested 13 suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Monguno, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Damaturu, and other areas. Several IED components and materials were also seized during these operations.
In the Northwest, security forces continued their push against armed groups. On May 15, coordinated military operations in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kaduna States resulted in the killing of multiple terrorists and the rescue of 25 kidnapped victims.
Additionally, a major terrorist hideout known as Sule Jedi camp was dismantled in the Marhaba Forest located within Matazu LGA of Katsina State.
Further arrests were made based on actionable intelligence. On May 15 and 19, troops apprehended four terrorist collaborators and neutralized another suspect who attempted to disarm personnel in Dan Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State and Sule Tankarkar LGA of Jigawa State.
Troops in the North Central region also reported operational successes. From May 16 to 20, security personnel arrested 15 suspected criminals and kidnappers across Bokkos, Jos North, Riyom, and Jos South LGAs in Plateau State, as well as Jema’a and Zangon Kataf LGAs in Kaduna State.
In an unusual development, three foreign Fulani migrants and two Chadian nationals, who claimed to be working with an international firm, were arrested in Jos North LGA. The individuals were handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation.