The Nigerian military has reported a significant crackdown on oil theft in the Niger Delta, destroying 41 illegal refining sites and foiling thefts worth over ₦112.1 million in September. Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, said 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 forces 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. They also destroyed 21 cooking ovens, 9 dugout pits, 11 storage tanks and 7 boats, and arrested several suspects involved in the illegal trade.
The military dismantled multiple oil‑theft networks and seized equipment used for large‑scale bunkering, including pumping machines, hoses and generators. Operations were carried out in Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers States with support from other security agencies.
These actions form 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. He urged host communities to provide 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.
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