By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Nigeria Military High Command said it’s troops of operation Delta Safe has foiled oil theft worth over 19 million Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira N19,750,000.00) in one week.
Director, Defence Media Operations, (DDMO) Major General Markus Kangye disclosed this while briefing Defence correspondents in Abuja.
According to him, troops also discovered and destroyed 14 crude oil cooking ovens, 7 dugout pits, 11 boats, 8 storage tanks and 16 illegal refining sites.
He said, 19 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested, while assorted arms and ammunition were also recovered.
“Relatedly, between 13 – 21 September 2025, troops on offensive operation, killed some criminals in action, arrested 16 suspected and rescued 5 kidnapped victims in Ika North, Sapelle and Bomadi LGAs of Delta State as well as Obubra and Mbo LGAs of Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.
“In another development, from 17 – 21 September 2025, troops arrested 4 suspected criminals in Warri South and Ethiope LGAs of Deltal State as well as Yenagoa and Onna LGAs of Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom State.
General Kangye also noted that several terrorists leaders and their foot soldiers were neutralized during the week under review across all theatres of operations.
“During these operations, several terrorists were killed, while 4 of them were arrested. Arrested terrorists are currently undergoing interrogation.
“During the encounters, troops eliminated scores of terrorists and rescued 3 kidnapped victims
Our gallant troops also conducted covert operations and arrested a notorious terrorists identified as Mallam Abubakar Ahmadu alongside 2 others in Paiko LGA of Niger State on 17 September 2025. Similarly, 2 kidnappers’ informants were arrested in Makarfi LGA of Kaduna State on 22 September 2025. Additionally, 4 other suspected terrorists were arrested in Bagudu LGA of Kebbi State on 21 September 2025. During the encounters, troops eliminated some terrorists, recovered arms and ammunition and rescued 14 kidnapped victims.
“Relatedly, from 15 – 22 September 2025, troops conducted operations in Kaga, Kukawa, Monguno and Ngala LGAs of Borno State as well as Mubi South, Mubi North and Nguru LGAs of Yobe and Adamawa States During the encounters, 26 terrorists collaborators,informants and terrorist sympathizers were arrested.
“Logistics items, large quantity of fabrics, vehicles, motorcycles and IED marking materials were also recovered.
Recovered Items are in troops custody, while interrogation is ongoing.
General Kangye also revealed that troops of Operation Fasan Yanma sustained operational tempo throughout the week with significant activities.
“During fire fights, some terrorists wer eliminated and kidnapped victims rescued. For instance, from 15 – 22 September 2025, troops conducted offensive operations in Kajuru, Giwa, Kagarko and Kachia LGAs of Kaduna State.
“They also carried out operations in Anka and Maru LGAs of Zamfara State, while similar operations were conducted in Kankara, Kurfi and Musawa LGAs of Katsina State as well as Binji and Tangaza LGAs of Sokoto State.
“During the period under review, troops of OP ENDURING PEACE responded to distress calls about terrorists’ activities in some sectors.
For instance, from 14 – 22 September 2025, troops conducted offensive operations and responded to distress calls on terrorists’ activities in Jos South, Barkin Ladi, Mangu, Bassa, Qua’An Pan, Riyom, Bokkos LGAs of Plateau State as well as Jamaá, Kaura, Zangon Kataf and Sanga LGAs of Kaduna State. During the firefights, troops killed some of the terrorists, arrested 52 criminals and rescued 9 kidnapped victims.
“Some weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and vehicles were recovered from them.
“In a related development, troops raided a local weapon manufacturing factory at Heipan District in Barkin Ladi and arrested one criminal on 17 September 2025, while weapons and ammunition were recovered from the raided factory. Also, at Miyar village in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State, a suspected kidnap kingpin was arrested on 23 September 2025.
He said troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded some successes in their Area of Responsibility during the week. They conducted operations between 14 – 22 September 2025 in Guma, Katsina-Ala and Ukum LGAs of Benue State.
They also conducted operations in Yagba West LGA of Kogi State. During the operations, troops killed some criminals in action, arrested 3 suspected others, while 7 kidnapped victims were rescued.
“Relatedly, troops arrested a high-profile kidnapper identified as Saawuan Wuaiyolna a member of notorious syndicate who is on the wanted list.
He is believed to be a member of a criminal gang under the leadership of one Akiki Utivi also known as Full Fire in Wukari LGA of Taraba State on 17 September 2025.
Gen. Kangye noted, troops arrested 11 other criminals in Karim Lamido and Ardo Kola LGAs of Taraba State.
“Similarly, they arrested some criminals in Lokoja and Nasarawa LGAs of Kogi and Nasarawa States. In a related development, 3 kidnappers were arrested, while a kidnapped victim was rescued at Kuduru high ground in AMAC of FCT on 18 September 2025.
Weapons and ammunition were also recovered during the operation.
The Defence Headquarters commends the bravery and professionalism of the troops involved in all operations and assures Nigerians of its continued efforts to ensure the safety and security of our citizens.
