The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says the troops of Operation Delta Safe have in the last one week discovered and deactivated no fewer than 42 illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta region.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, made this known in a weekly report of ongoing military operations on Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Abuja.
Kangye said the military had sustained operational tempo against crude oil thieves and other criminals in the Niger Delta during the week under review.
He said the troops recovered 117,395 litres of stolen crude oil, 22,050 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, 6,000 litres of Dual-Purpose Kerosene and 8,060 litres of Premium Motor Spirit.
He added that troops also discovered and destroyed 102 crude oil cooking ovens, 94 dugout pits, 18 boats, four speedboat, 56 storage tanks and 164 drums.
According to him, other items recovered include, pumping machines, drilling machines, galvanised pipes, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones and nine vehicles.
“Furthermore, 42 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested while assorted arms and ammunition were also recovered.
“Between April 10 and April 14, troops while conducting offensive operations, made contact with criminals in Southern Ijaw and Aniocha South Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Bayelsa and Delta respectively.
“During the operations, troops arrested criminals and recovered arms and ammunition as well as large quantity of natural gas resources.
“Similarly, on April 11 and April 13, troops, acting on credible intelligence, arrested nine suspected vandals/kidnapers in Onelga and Ndoni LGAs of Rivers as well as Uvwie, Warri South and Aniocha South LGAs of Delta.
“They also effected arrest of five criminals in Ikom LGA of Cross River as well as Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa,” he said.
In a related development, the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos of the Nigerian Navy has deactivated seven illegal refining sites at Obodo Omadina Community in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Navy Capt. Ikenna Okoloagu, the Commanding Officer of the FOB Escravos, disclosed this to newsmen on Thursday in Warri.
Okoloagu said that the operations were carried out between March 29 and April 16 in the coastal community.
He added that the operations were based on credible information and in support of Operation DELTA SANITY II.
“Specifically, on March 29, 2025, personnel of FOB Escravos discovered and deactivated three illegal refining sites at Obodo Omadino in Warri South.
“Similarly, on April 11 and April 16, the personnel also discovered and dismantled two illegal refining sites each in the same community.
“Cumulatively, the three operations led to the deactivation of seven illegal refining sites.
“The operations also led to the seizure of about 5,980 litres of stolen crude oil and 3,810 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
“The products were stored in eight ovens, 50 dug-out pits and 67 polythene sacks,” he said.
Okoloagu said that the successful operations underscored the commitment of the Base to the strategic directives of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla to stem
illegalities within Nigeria’s maritime space.
According to the naval boss, the operation is in line with concerted efforts to boost Nigeria’s daily crude oil production.
He assured that the base would continue to sustain the onslaught against crude oil theft and other economic sabotage.
He warned perpetrators to desist from the illicit activities.
By Sumaila Ogbaje and Edeki Igafe