The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced a major breakthrough in the fight against crude oil theft and environmental sabotage, revealing that troops of Operation Delta Safe have uncovered and dismantled 42 illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta over the past week.
This was disclosed on Thursday, April 17, 2025, by Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, during the DHQ’s weekly operational briefing in Abuja.
Crackdown on Oil Bunkering Yields Massive Recoveries
Maj.-Gen. Kangye confirmed that military forces intensified operations against oil thieves and pipeline vandals across the region. In the week under review, troops recovered:
- 117,395 litres of stolen crude oil
- 22,050 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO)
- 6,000 litres of Dual-Purpose Kerosene (DPK)
- 8,060 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)
Additionally, troops destroyed:
- 102 illegal oil cooking ovens
- 94 dugout pits
- 56 storage tanks
- 164 drums
- 18 boats and 4 speedboats
Other recovered items include drilling and pumping machines, galvanized pipes, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones, and nine vehicles.
42 Suspects Arrested, Weapons Recovered
In anti-crime operations conducted between April 10 and April 14 in Bayelsa and Delta States—particularly in Southern Ijaw and Aniocha South LGAs—troops encountered criminal elements, leading to arrests and the recovery of arms, ammunition, and significant quantities of natural gas resources.
Further intelligence-led operations on April 11 and 13 resulted in the arrest of nine suspected vandals and kidnappers in:
- Onelga and Ndoni LGAs of Rivers State
- Uvwie, Warri South, and Aniocha South LGAs of Delta State
Five additional suspects were also apprehended in Ikom (Cross River) and Southern Ijaw (Bayelsa).
Nigerian Navy Deactivates 7 More Illegal Refineries in Warri South
In a related operation, the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos dismantled seven illegal refining sites in Obodo Omadino Community, Warri South LGA of Delta State, between March 29 and April 16.
Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, Commanding Officer of FOB Escravos, said the raids were part of Operation DELTA SANITY II, and were based on actionable intelligence. Key seizures included:
- 5,980 litres of stolen crude oil
- 3,810 litres of illegally refined AGO
- 8 cooking ovens, 50 dugout pits, and 67 polythene sacks used for storage
Capt. Okoloagu emphasized that the operation aligns with the strategic vision of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, to eliminate illegal refining activities and boost Nigeria’s crude oil production.
He reiterated the Navy’s commitment to stamping out crude oil theft and economic sabotage, warning perpetrators to desist or face the full force of the law.
