Nigerian Army troops
Nigerian military has ramped up its crackdown on oil theft in the Niger Delta, dismantling dozens of illegal refineries and intercepting petroleum products worth over ₦112 million in September alone.
This was disclosed on Saturday in Abuja by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, who revealed that troops under Operation Delta Safe have intensified their efforts to curb crude oil theft, pipeline sabotage, and other illicit activities that threaten the nation’s economic and environmental security.
> “Troops also destroyed 41 illegal refining sites, 21 cooking ovens, 9 dugout pits, 11 storage tanks, seven boats and arrested several suspects involved in the illegal trade,” Kangye said in the statement.
He explained that the operations—which spanned key oil-producing states including Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers—were backed by aerial surveillance and coordinated patrols in collaboration with other security agencies.
According to Kangye, troops recovered 49,321 litres of stolen crude oil, 6,970 litres of diesel (AGO), 1,900 litres of kerosene (DPK), and 1,475 litres of petrol (PMS) during the month-long sweep.
He also noted that equipment used for illegal refining and large-scale bunkering—such as pumping machines, hoses, generators, and storage materials—were seized or destroyed on site.
> “Our operations will continue to target the sources, storage facilities, and transportation channels used by oil thieves until these criminal enterprises are completely dismantled,” Kangye stated.
Reiterating the military’s commitment to ending economic sabotage in the region, Kangye emphasized that tackling oil theft remains a national security priority due to its direct impact on government revenue and environmental sustainability.
He called on local communities to play a proactive role by sharing credible information with security agencies.
> “We urge host communities to support the security forces with timely information to help identify and disrupt oil theft networks operating in their areas,” he added.
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed its resolve to maintain pressure on illegal oil operators and said more targeted operations will follow in the coming months.
