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Soldiers

Nigerian Military Cracks Down on Oil Theft and Insurgents

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Nigerian military has made significant strides in combating oil theft and insurgency across the country. Between June 30 and July 10, 2025, under the Operation Delta Safe, troops intercepted stolen crude and dismantled illegal refining operations worth over ?263 million. The operation uncovered and destroyed 15 illegal refining sites, recovering 198,482 litres of stolen crude oil, 63,846 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 947 litres of PMS. Additionally, eight suspected oil thieves and other criminals were arrested, along with nine vehicles, arms, ammunition, and improvised explosive devices.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Nigerian military has made significant strides in combating oil theft, with operations worth over ?263 million intercepted under the Operation Delta Safe.
  • The operation uncovered and destroyed 15 illegal refining sites, recovering large quantities of stolen crude oil, AGO, and PMS.
  • Eight suspected oil thieves and other criminals were arrested, along with nine vehicles, arms, ammunition, and improvised explosive devices.
  • The military has also made progress in combating insurgency, eliminating scores of Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters and recovering arms and IEDs.
  • In the North East, troops eliminated scores of terrorist fighters in areas including Sambisa Forest, Timbuktu Triangle, and Gwoza, with a significant number of terrorists surrendering, including a high-profile commander.
  • Similar progress was made in the North West, where a major offensive led to the death of several terror leaders and the recovery of arms, motorcycles, and cash.
  • Troops also conducted coordinated operations in Sokoto, Kebbi, and Katsina states, resulting in more arrests, the rescue of hostages, and the destruction of terrorist hideouts.
  • In the South East, Operation UDO KA intensified its pressure on IPOB/ESN elements, capturing a key sponsor and logistics supplier and recovering cash, POS machines, and mobile phones.
  • The Defence Headquarters praised the professionalism and resilience of the Nigerian Armed Forces, noting that their commitment continues to yield results across all regions.

Statistics:

  • 198,482 litres of stolen crude oil recovered.
  • 63,846 litres of illegally refined AGO recovered.
  • 947 litres of PMS recovered.
  • 9 vehicles seized.
  • 8 suspected oil thieves and other criminals arrested.
  • 24 crude oil cooking ovens destroyed.
  • 26 dugout pits destroyed.
  • 19 storage tanks destroyed.
  • 21 drums destroyed.
  • 9 boats used in the illicit trade destroyed.
  • 5 suspected kidnappers and criminals arrested in Bayelsa and Delta states.
  • 4 POS machines recovered in the South East.
  • ?250,600 in cash recovered in the South East.
  • ?263 million worth of operations conducted under Operation Delta Safe.

Sources:

  • A statement by Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations.
  • A report by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ).
  • Various unnamed sources within the Nigerian military.

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