The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) stated that troops of Operation Delta Safe destroyed 41 illegal refining sites and foiled oil theft worth over ₦112.1 million in the Niger Delta in September.

The director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

Mr Kangye said the troops had maintained aggressive patrols and air reconnaissance to curb crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other forms of economic sabotage.

According to him, the troops had also recovered 49,321 litres of crude oil, 6,970 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 1,900 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) and 1,475 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from criminals during the period under review.

“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,” he said.

Mr Kangye added that troops dismantled multiple oil theft networks and seized equipment used for large-scale bunkering, including pumping machines, hoses, and generators.

He said the operations were carried out in Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers States, with support from other security agencies.

The defence spokesman reaffirmed the military’s resolve to sustain its onslaught against crude oil theft, adding that the fight against economic saboteurs remains a national priority due to its direct impact on Nigeria’s economy and environmental safety.

He urged the host communities to support the security forces with timely information to help identify and disrupt oil theft networks operating in their areas.

“Our operations will continue to target the sources, storage facilities, and transportation channels used by oil thieves until these criminal enterprises are completely dismantled,” he said.

(NAN)