The Nigerian military has reported a significant crackdown on oil theft in the Niger Delta region, with the destruction of 41 illegal refining sites and the foiling of oil theft worth over ₦112.1 million in September. According to the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, troops of Operation Delta Safe have been conducting aggressive patrols and air reconnaissance to curb crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other forms of economic sabotage.

During the period under review, the troops recovered 49,321 litres of crude oil, 6,970 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 1,900 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and 1,475 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from criminals. Additionally, they destroyed 21 cooking ovens, 9 dugout pits, 11 storage tanks, and 7 boats, while also arresting several suspects involved in the illegal trade. The military also dismantled multiple oil theft networks and seized equipment used for large-scale bunkering, including pumping machines, hoses, and generators.

The operations were carried out in Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers States, with support from other security agencies. The military’s efforts to combat oil theft are part of a broader campaign to protect Nigeria’s economy and environment. The defence spokesman reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustaining its onslaught against crude oil theft, emphasizing that the fight against economic saboteurs remains a national priority.

The military is urging host communities to support the security forces with timely information to help identify and disrupt oil theft networks operating in their areas. By targeting the sources, storage facilities, and transportation channels used by oil thieves, the military aims to completely dismantle these criminal enterprises. The success of these operations is crucial to Nigeria’s economic stability and environmental safety, and the military’s continued efforts will be closely watched in the coming months.