• Super Admin
• 07 Mar, 2026

Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have intercepted nearly 51,000 litres of stolen crude oil and dismantled several illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta as part of intensified nationwide operations against crude oil theft and other security threats. The military disclosed this during a weekly operational briefing covering activities between February 28 and March 6, 2026, highlighting sustained offensives against oil thieves, terrorists, kidnappers and separatist groups across multiple theatres of operation. According to Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, troops recorded major successes in the South-South under Operation Delta Safe, where security forces targeted crude oil theft networks and illegal refining activities. Onoja said troops discovered and destroyed four illegal refining sites while dismantling processing equipment used by oil thieves, including drum ovens, receivers, coolants and illegal pipelines. Seven suspects linked to crude oil theft and related criminal activities were also arrested during the operations, while weapons and other exhibits were recovered. "In the course of the operations, troops intercepted significant quantities of stolen crude and refined petroleum products," he said. "In one of the incidents, soldiers destroyed two illegal refining sites located in Abessa Forest in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State", he added. Troops also intercepted a wooden boat loaded with about 45,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil near Cool Beach in Bonny Local Government Area of the state. "On the same day, troops recovered 16 sacks containing about 960 litres of illegally refined petroleum products along the Omoku-Ahoada road in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area. "Further operations on March 2 led to the discovery and dismantling of another illegal refining site in Ozochi community in Ahoada East LGA. "Additional seizures included 1,200 litres of stolen crude found in 17 sacks in the Aminigboko area of Abua/Odual LGA, as well as about 1,500 litres of suspected crude oil recovered from a boat along the Akwete-Obuaya-Umore River in Ukwa East LGA of Abia State", he reported. The military said the total volume of stolen crude oil and petroleum products recovered during the period was approximately 50,970 litres. He urged members of the public to provide credible intelligence to security agencies and avoid patronising illegally refined petroleum products. Beyond the fight against oil theft, troops also recorded major successes in counter-terrorism operations in the North-East under Operation Hadin Kai. The military said soldiers neutralised several insurgents linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), arrested 20 suspects and rescued 24 kidnapped victims. "Eleven insurgents also surrendered with their families during the period under review. "Troops operating in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State arrested two suspected terrorist collaborators who allegedly assisted insurgents by selling rustled cattle and supplying fuel and logistics. "The suspects later led troops to a hidden storage facility containing medical supplies meant for terrorists", Onoja said. In another development, troops repelled a terrorist attack in Bama LGA of Borno State and recovered sophisticated weapons and ammunition after neutralising several fighters. According to him, a major breakthrough was also recorded when the air component of Operation Hadin Kai conducted precision strikes on terrorist positions in the Sambisa Forest. "Battle damage assessment indicated that the operation eliminated several senior terrorist commanders, including Saddam, Saleh Garin Kago and Ba Alayi Benbem", he added. Military further said intelligence reports suggested that the strike killed more than 18 terrorist ring leaders and 42 fighters. In the North-West, troops operating under Operation Fansan Yamma neutralised several terrorists, arrested eight suspects and rescued five hostages. "One suspect arrested in Zamfara State was found with military-related accoutrements, raising suspicions about links to terrorist networks. "In Kaduna State, troops responding to intelligence reports arrested two injured suspects who had reportedly sought treatment in a hospital after sustaining gunshot wounds during earlier clashes with security forces", Onoja disclosed. Troops under Operation Savannah Shield intensified operations in Kwara and Niger states, neutralising more than 17 terrorists in a gun battle in Roguwa Forest in Niger State. Security forces also intercepted eight 50-kilogram bags of ammonium chloride, a chemical used in the manufacture of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along the Eruku-Egbe road in Kwara State. Elsewhere, troops under Operation Whirl Stroke arrested 12 suspected terrorists in Lokoja, Kogi State. The suspects claimed affiliation with the group Miyetti Allah but were unable to provide verifiable identification. He noted that security forces recovered an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, mobile phones and cash from the suspects. In the South-East, troops conducting operations under Operation Udo Ka arrested five suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). "During clearance operations in Orsu LGA of Imo State, soldiers discovered a building used as an administrative base by the group. "Items recovered from the facility included foreign currency, weapons and a police Mobile Police uniform bearing Biafran insignia. "Three additional suspects were arrested during cordon-and-search operations in Ohafia LGA of Abia State", he mentioned. Overall, the military said its nationwide operations led to the neutralisation of scores of terrorists, the arrest of dozens of suspects and the rescue of more than 50 kidnapped victims. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff, commended troops for their professionalism and sacrifices in confronting security threats across the country. He also paid tribute to soldiers who died in the line of duty and reassured their families of the military's commitment to their welfare. The Armed Forces urged Nigerians to continue supporting security operations by providing credible intelligence and resisting the spread of misinformation that could undermine national security efforts. Source: https://businessday.ng/news/article/troops-intercept-51000-litres-of-stolen-crude-destroy-illegal-refineries-in-niger-delta/