46 Oil Thieves Arrested as Nigerian Troops Deactivate 10 Illegal Refineries and Intensify Nationwide Security Operations

Nigerian soldiers during a security operation in the Niger Delta, dismantling illegal refinery equipment and arresting oil thieves

In a major breakthrough in the fight against oil theft and national insecurity, the Nigerian Armed Forces have dismantled multiple illegal refinery sites and arrested dozens of suspects involved in economic sabotage and criminal activities across the country.
The Defence Headquarters has confirmed that troops of Operation Delta Safe, responsible for security and anti-sabotage efforts in the Niger Delta, successfully deactivated 10 illegal crude oil refining sites in just one week. These illegal operations are known to contribute to significant environmental damage and economic loss.

In addition to shutting down the illegal facilities, the troops uncovered:

• 11 crude oil cooking ovens
• 32 dugout pits
• 14 large storage tanks
• 16 drums
• 8 boats used for crude transport

During these operations, 46 oil thieves and criminals were arrested, with several assorted arms, ammunition, and operational equipment recovered from them. Notably, the military reported that they thwarted oil theft valued at more than ₦83.7 million—a major blow to black-market operations.

Details of Recovered Items from Oil Theft Operations
According to the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, troops recovered:

• 76,610 litres of stolen crude oil
• 8,425 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO)
• Outboard engines, pumping and drilling machines
• Pipes and hoses used for siphoning crude oil
• Mobile phones, tricycles, motorcycles, and three vehicles used in illegal operations

Major General Kangye also disclosed that during an offensive operation on June 18, 2025, in Yenagoaa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, troops apprehended 15 criminal suspects. Similarly, on June 23, 2025, soldiers on anti-criminality patrols in Ahoada East LGA of Rivers State engaged armed cultists and arrested two of them, recovering weapons and ammunition.
Another significant arrest occurred on June 20, 2025, in Warri South LGA of Delta State, where a suspect named Frank May was arrested with illegal firearms.
The Nigerian Army also made significant progress in theSoutheast underr Operation Udoka. Troops raided a suspected terrorist hideout in Okigwe LGA of Imo State on June 18, 2025, where they arrested an injured terrorist undergoing medical treatment.

The camp was demolished, and soldiers seized:

• Hospital equipment
• Ammunition
• Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)
• Communication gadgets like handheld radios

In Anambra State, three suspected terrorist accomplices were arrested between June 21 and 24, while in Abia State, a known car snatcher was nabbed in Osisioma LGA on June 20 during anti-crime operations.

In the Northeast, Operation Hadin Kai recorded several successes against insurgents belonging to ISWAP (Islamic State’s West Africa Province) and JAS (Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad).
Between June 20 and 25, 2025, troops, working with other security forces, carried out aggressive offensives in:

• Balge
• Gwoza
• Kukawa
• Dambo
• Konduga
• Chibok LGAs of Borno State

These operations led to:

• Elimination of several terrorists
• Rescue of three kidnapped victims
• Seizure of arms, ammunition, motorcycles, vehicles, and food supplies
• Burning of terrorist camps and logistics bases

From June 21 to 26, troops arrested 11 terrorist logistics suppliers and collaborators across Ngazai, Dikwa, Maiduguri, and parts of Yobe State.In a separate operations in Chibok, Dikwa, and Ngazai, more terrorists were neutralized, and additional victims were rescued.

Recovered materials included:

• RPG tubes, machine guns, and automatic weapons
• Fabricated firearms and IED materials
• Assorted live cartridges and ammunition

In theNorthwest, troops under Operation Fasin Yamma clashed with armed bandits and terrorists between June 21 and 26 across multiple LGAs in Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto, and Niger States. Areas affected included:

• Tsafe, Shinkafi, Talata Mafara (Zamfara)
• Kankara, Kurfi (Katsina)
• Tangaza, Binji, Kaduna North, and Mariga

The encounters resulted in:

• Elimination of several terrorists
• Arrest of two insurgents
• Recovery of weapons, motorcycles, and unexploded ordnance

Additionally, troops acting on intelligence arrested five suspected terrorists in Faskari, Malumfashi (Katsina), and Bungudu LGA (Zamfara) between June 20 and 24.

In the North-Central, Operation Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke recorded notable breakthroughs between June 20 and 26.
Key highlights include:

• Engagement with extremists in Riyom, Bokkos, Jos South (Plateau), and Karu LGA (Kaduna)
• Arrest of four suspects and rescue of three hostages
• Raids in Mangu, Riyom, and Barkin Ladi LGAs led to more arrests

Anti-criminal operations in Makurdi, Guma, and Gwer West LGAs (Benue), where four kidnapped victims were rescued

In Taraba State, operations in Lau, Takum, and Wukari LGAs led to the elimination of extremists and recovery of vehicles and weapons.

Elsewhere, troops arrested 11 suspects in Edo, Nasarawa, and Kwara States, rescuing seven kidnapped victims and seizing weapons and communication devices.

Military Reaffirms Commitment to National Security
In a concluding statement, Major General Kangye praised the courage and commitment of Nigerian troops across the country. He reiterated that the Armed Forces remain unwavering in their mission to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria.

“These extensive operations show our resolve to restore peace and dismantle threats to national security,” Kangye stated. “We encourage continued cooperation between citizens and security forces, as unity is key to achieving lasting peace and stability across Nigeria.”

By PrimeLineInfo