Nigerian troops have halted an illegal crude oil operation valued at over ₦3.5 billion, recovering more than 2.3 million litres of stolen crude in the Niger Delta.
The bust, which took place between April and June 2025, was part of intensified military efforts under Operation DELTA SAFE. Alongside the crude oil, troops seized over 600,000 litres of illegally refined diesel, 41,000 litres of kerosene, and 27,000 litres of petrol from 174 dismantled refining sites.
Military spokesperson Major General Markus Kangye said that multiple vehicles, boats, and tools used for illegal refining were also confiscated, while 12 suspects linked to the operation were arrested.
In a related development, 15 civilians were rescued in Akwa Ibom after suspected pirates left them stranded in Oron.
Beyond the oil-rich South-South, the military reported successes across the country. More than 1,190 suspected criminals were arrested in various regions, while 543 kidnapped victims were freed. Notably, 682 members of Boko Haram and ISWAP—along with their families—surrendered to security forces.
Several high-ranking insurgent commanders were also taken out during these operations, including Yellow Danbokkolo, a notorious bandit leader who died from injuries after an armed clash with troops. Other neutralized figures included Amir Abu Fatimah, Auta, Abdul Jamilu, and Mallam Jidda.
Across the North-East, military forces recovered explosives and heavy weapons during raids in Borno and Yobe States. In the North-West, troops intercepted arms and rescued civilians in Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Sokoto.
Operations in the North-Central zone led to the arrest of illegal miners operating around Abuja, while rescue missions were carried out in Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, and Nasarawa States. Authorities also arrested 21 suspected drug traffickers in the South-East, and several individuals allegedly linked to the proscribed IPOB/ESN. Among them were three suspects tied to the kidnapping of an NDLEA commander in Anambra.
Major General Kangye reaffirmed that all operations were conducted in line with humanitarian laws and military ethics, commending the professionalism of Nigerian troops and calling for continued public and media support in the fight to restore national security.
