By Victor Akaa
The Nigerian Armed Forces have successfully foiled oil theft worth over ₦31 million and rescued over 60 kidnapped victims in one week during their military campaign against oil bunkering, pipeline vandalism, illegal refining and other related offences in the Niger Delta region.
The Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, in a statement during the weekly operational update disclosed that troops of Operation DELTA SAFE disrupted multiple illegal refining operations in the South-South region, recovering petroleum products valued at ₦31.4 million.
The recovered items, according to him included 77,530 litres of stolen crude oil, 10,340 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 2,700 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and 1,240 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
He noted that troops also destroyed 27 illegal refining sites and seized equipment, including storage tanks, boats, barges, and crude oil cooking ovens. Twenty-seven suspects were arrested, and arms, ammunition, and other logistics were recovered.
In the North East, he noted that troops under Operation HADIN KAI continued to put pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, leading to the surrender of dozens of insurgents, including men, women, and children.
Major General Kangye explained that the coordinated offensives in key Borno State locations resulted in the killing of several terrorists, the arrest of six suspects, and the rescue of 22 kidnapped persons.
He also reported successes in the North West, Plateau, and Kaduna States, where troops engaged extremists and rescued kidnapped victims. In total, 16 criminals were arrested across Nasarawa, Niger, Kogi, and Edo States, and items recovered included weapons, laptops, mobile phones, and over ₦438,000 in cash.
He, further commended the bravery and professionalism of Nigerian troops and assured citizens of its commitment to safeguarding national security and territorial integrity.
He also urged the public to continue supporting security forces through timely and actionable information
