Nigerian military forces have dealt a significant blow to oil theft networks, foiling illegal operations valued at over N103.9 million during an intensive week-long crackdown under Operation DELTA SAFE. The successful raids recovered 68,875 liters of stolen crude oil, 31,166 liters of illegally refined diesel, and 2,250 liters of kerosene.
Troops dismantled 18 illegal refining sites along with 16 crude oil cooking ovens, 31 dugout pits, 19 boats, 34 storage tanks, and 79 drums used in the illicit trade. Defence spokesman Markus Kangye confirmed that 15 suspects were apprehended and have been handed over to authorities for prosecution.
Beyond the oil-rich Niger Delta, the Armed Forces conducted coordinated operations nationwide against terrorists and criminal elements. In the Northeast, dozens of ISWAP and Boko Haram terrorists surrendered or were neutralized, while operations in the Northwest and North Central regions rescued over 120 kidnapped victims. The military emphasized these operations support President Tinubu’s directive to ensure national security and food sufficiency, particularly as the rainy season approaches when farmers need to safely return to their fields.
Source: businessday.ng
