Nigerian soldiers ride in a truck during a military patrol. (All Progressives Congress) and Atiku Abubakar (Peoples Democratic Party). (Photo by CRISTINA ALDEHUELA / AFP) (Photo by CRISTINA ALDEHUELA/AFP via Getty Images)
Abuja, Nigeria (EPICSTORIAN) — Nigerian troops shut down 156 illegal refineries and recovered 1.79 million litres of stolen crude oil in a large-scale operation targeting oil theft.
Operations under Operation Delta Safe in the South-South led to 122 arrests and the destruction of 114 wooden boats used for crude oil transport. Confiscated materials included 402,936 litres of diesel, 9,175 litres of petrol, and several weapons.
Major General Marku Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, said security forces remain committed to eliminating illegal refining activities. “These operations will continue until criminal networks are dismantled,” Kangye stated.
Nationwide Security Gains
Efforts to combat insurgency, banditry, and organized crime intensified alongside the oil-related crackdown. Security forces neutralized 216 criminals, arrested over 700 suspects, and rescued multiple kidnapped victims across different regions.
Operations in the North-East under Operation Hadin Kai resulted in the elimination of 75 Boko Haram and ISWAP militants, the arrest of 71 individuals, and the rescue of 75 hostages. Additionally, 152 terrorists and their families surrendered to security forces.
Troops recovered 49 AK-47 rifles, 15 fabricated firearms, nine dane guns, and over 2,100 rounds of ammunition.
Armed Groups Weakened
Counterterrorism operations in the North-West delivered major blows to armed groups. Operation Fasan Yamma forces killed 88 terrorists, arrested 31 suspects, and secured the release of 136 kidnapped victims.
Troops of Operation Whirl Punch eliminated 34 insurgents, detained 124 individuals, and freed 57 hostages. Seized weapons included 77 AK-47 rifles, 24 fabricated rifles, 24 dane guns, and over 2,400 rounds of ammunition.
Security Reinforcement Expands
In the North-Central region, troops under Operation Safe Haven neutralized 12 criminals, detained 130 suspects, and rescued 26 abducted persons.
Under Operation Whirl Stroke, military forces eliminated five terrorists, arrested 172 suspects, and freed 16 kidnapped individuals. Confiscated weapons included 17 AK-47 rifles, nine homemade firearms, and over 1,100 rounds of ammunition.
South-East Operations Intensify
Security efforts against separatist and criminal groups under Operation Udo Ka saw troops eliminate four militants, arrest 24 suspects, and rescue 10 kidnapped victims.
Recovered weapons included three AK-47 rifles, nine pump-action shotguns, and 525 rounds of ammunition.
Sustained Pressure on Criminal Networks
The military pledged to sustain operations against criminal elements. “Our forces will continue targeting all threats to national security, ensuring the protection of lives and critical assets,” DHQ stated.
Public cooperation remains crucial, with security forces urging citizens to provide intelligence that could aid ongoing operations.
