Troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces have denied crude oil thieves operating in the Niger Delta region the sum of N521,802,360.00 in crude oil products.
This was revealed on Thursday by the Director Defence Media Operation, Major General Markus Kangye while briefing news men at the new conference room of the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.
According to General Kangye, “The breakdown revealed: 452,396 litres of stolen crude oil, 224,175 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil and 1,920 litres of PMS. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 87 crude oil cooking ovens, 28 dugout pits, 23 boats, 33 storage tanks, 61 drums and 47 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include 2 pumping machines, 3 tricycles, 5 motorcycles, 2 mobile phones and 6 vehicles among others.”
The Media Director further stated that no fewer than 92 terrorists were killed by troops in the last one week while several others were arrested.
“In the course of the operations, they neutralized several terrorists, apprehended their collaborators, rescued kidnapped victims and received surrendered terrorists.
“Gunrunners, oil theft collaborators and other violent extremists were also apprehended. The air component also conducted several close air support, armed reconnaissance patrols as well as air interdiction missions.
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“For instance, between 27 February – 6 March 2025, a total of 92 terrorists were neutralized while 111 suspected others were arrested. Troops also apprehended 18 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 75 kidnapped hostages,” General Kangye said.
He further stated that troops recovered 117 and 2,939 assorted weapons and ammunition respectively.
“These includes, 58 AK47 rifles, 21 locally fabricated guns, 26 dane guns, 7 pump action guns, 4 PKT guns, 2 GPMGs, one QJC W85 gun, one HK 21 gun, one M60 MG, 11 RPG bombs, 2 RPG tubes and one fabricated 60mm mortar.
“They also recovered 2,278 rounds of assorted 7.62mm ammunition, 26 live cartridges, 64 rounds of 9mm ammo, 18 magazines, as well as other 8 assorted arms,” he added.
The successes were recorded by troops at the front line across the country, operating in various formations, such as Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai (North East), Joint Task Force Operation Fansan Yamma (North West), and Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Punch (North West).
Others are Operation Whirl Stroke (North Central), Joint Task Force Operation Safe Haven (North Central), Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe (South South), and Joint Task Force Operation Udo Ka (South East).
Meanwhile, all recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were said to have been handed over to the relevant authorities for further action.
General Kangye assured Nigerians that “The gallant men and women of the AFN will continue to carry out the constitutional responsibilities of protecting lives and properties of all Nigerians in line with our rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct for Internal Security Operations.”
