Defence Headquarters
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says Nigerian troops destroyed at least 53 illegal crude oil refining sites and arrested 81 suspected oil thieves and other criminals during operations across the Niger Delta in January.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja while briefing journalists on the activities of the armed forces nationwide.
According to him, the operations were carried out by troops of Operation Delta Safe in response to repeated distress calls linked to sea piracy, crude oil theft, illegal refining and related crimes.
He said soldiers dismantled several illicit refining camps across the region and recovered weapons and ammunition during the raids, as part of efforts to curb economic sabotage and insecurity in oil-producing communities.
Further operations were conducted in Ini and Essien Udim Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State, and Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, where five more suspects were arrested and arms recovered.
As part of aerial surveillance to disrupt crude oil theft, Onoja said the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe carried out armed reconnaissance missions over Bakana and Abuloma communities.
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“During the missions, a large barge was observed siphoning petroleum products and was subsequently engaged,” he said.
The Defence Headquarters also reported that more than 80 militants surrendered to troops during the period, while eight Cameroonian nationals were rescued during joint patrols along the Bakassi waterways, highlighting ongoing cross-border security concerns.
In the South-East, Onoja said troops under Operation UDO KA sustained pressure on terrorists, militants and criminal gangs across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states.
He said the troops neutralised some terrorists, arrested 22 suspects, and rescued 11 kidnapped victims, with arms and ammunition recovered during various operations.
According to the military, recent security assessments show a noticeable reduction in crime across the South-East compared to previous months, a development attributed to sustained military action and non-kinetic engagements with local communities.
Major General Onoja reaffirmed the military’s commitment to restoring peace and stability nationwide, assuring Nigerians of continued professionalism, cooperation with other security agencies and firm action against criminal activities in all regions.
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