By ZAKAA LAZARUS
Troops of Nigerian Armed Forces have foiled oil thefts valued at over ₦31 million in one week.
During the week under review troops also rescued over 60 kidnapped victims, while neutralizing dozens of terrorists, and seizing large quantities of arms and ammunition.
Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed this in a weekly operational update issued from the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Abuja.
According to the DDMO, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE, tasked with safeguarding oil infrastructure in the South-South region, disrupted multiple illegal refining operations. Recovered petroleum products were valued at ₦31.4 million.
Among the recovered items were 77,530 litres of stolen crude oil, 10,340 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 2,700 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and 1,240 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Troops discovered and destroyed 27 illegal refining sites and dismantled equipment including storage tanks, boats, barges, and crude oil cooking ovens. Twenty-seven suspects were arrested, and arms, ammunition, and other logistics were recovered.
In the North East, troops under Operation HADIN KAI continued to put pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, leading to the surrender of dozens of insurgents — including men, women, and children — between May 30 and June 4. Coordinated offensives in key Borno State locations such as Dikwa, Gwoza, Bama, Kondugga, Damboa, and Abadam resulted in the killing of several terrorists, the arrest of six suspects, and the rescue of 22 kidnapped persons.
Further operations in Biu, Mobbar, and Gwoza Local Government Areas (LGAs) between May 30 and June 2 led to the elimination of more terrorists and the rescue of 16 additional hostages.
“Notably, 12 kidnapped persons managed to escape from terrorist camps around Tumbun Dilla in Kukawa LGA, aided by non-kinetic efforts.
“Troops also arrested 16 collaborators, including logistics suppliers and a drug peddler, in Damaturu, Yunusari, and Geidam LGAs of Yobe State, as well as in Damboa, Konduga, Gwoza, and Kaga LGAs of Borno State. Recovered items included motorcycles, mobile phones, Improvised Explosive Device (IED) materials, and ₦38,900 in cash.
In the North West, troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA apprehended a female suspect linked to a wanted terrorist leader, Kamalu, along with three other suspects in Sokoto and Niger States between June 1 and 2.
In Plateau and Kaduna States, and along the Plateau–Taraba border, troops under Operation SAFE HAVEN engaged extremists in multiple LGAs including Riyom, Wase, Mangu, and Zangon Kataf. These operations led to the neutralization of several extremists, the arrest of four suspects, and the rescue of three kidnapped victims.
Between May 30 and June 2, seven suspected kidnappers and criminals were arrested in Maangu, Bassa, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom LGAs. Anti-criminality operations across Jos South and Bokkos LGAs also resulted in the recovery of arms, ammunition, motorcycles, and livestock.
In neighbouring states, troops under Operation WHIRL STROKE arrested Shittu Muazu Bakasi in Karu LGA of Nasarawa State. He was found in possession of weapons, military uniforms, and other suspicious items. In total, 16 criminals were arrested across Nasarawa, Niger, Kogi, and Edo States. Items recovered from them included weapons, laptops, mobile phones, and over ₦438,000 in cash.
In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA arrested four suspected criminals in Abakaliki and Ikwo LGAs of Ebonyi State and Onitsha North in Anambra State. Recovered items included arms, ammunition, and a vehicle. The suspects were handed over to the appropriate authorities.
The DHQ reiterated its resolve to ensure that terrorists, insurgents, and other criminal elements are denied freedom of action across the country. It commended the bravery and professionalism of Nigerian troops and assured citizens of its commitment to safeguarding national security and territorial integrity.
“The success of ongoing operations is a testament to the determination and resilience of our troops, who continue to work tirelessly to secure our nation,” the military said.
The military urged the public to continue supporting security forces through timely and actionable information.
