The Nigerian military, Thursday, said over the past one week between 10 - 17 July 2025, its troops arrested 237 oil thieves, discovered and destroyed 14 illegal refining sites, arrested 7 kidnappers and foiled oil theft worth over Two Hundred Forty One Million Two Hundred and Eighty Four Thousand Naira (N241,284,000.00) only in South South and South East respectively.
Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye disclosed this in a signed press statement on the significant and commendable progress made by gallant troops who have continued to display exceptional courage, professionalism and dedication in the face of evolving threats.
According to Maj.Gen Kangye, troops in various theatres killed scores of terrorists while suspected others were arrested. They also apprehended perpetrators of oil theft and other criminals.
He revealed how the Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 230,400 litres of stolen crude oil, 13,000 litres of illegally refined AGO and 2,500 litres of PMS. He added that troops, discovered and destroyed 30 crude oil cooking ovens, 28 dugout pits, 2 boats, 7 storage tanks, 14 drums and 14 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include, pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones and 8 vehicles.
"Furthermore, 237 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested, while assorted arms and ammunition and some explosives, were also recovered.
"Troops while conducting offensive operations, arrested 183 suspected internet fraudsters in Uvwie LGA of Delta State and 5 other criminals in Ughelli North LGA of the State as well as Southern Ijaw and Ahoada LGAs of Bayelsa and Rivers States respectively.
"Relatedly, on 15 July 2025 troops in conjunction with professional divers and local fishermen recovered a PKT gun and 400 rounds of ammunition at a boat mishap site in Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State." he said
Maj Gen Kangye also revealed that in the South East, Troops of Operation UDO KA sustained offensive posture throughout the week under review.
He said they arrested 7 kidnappers/criminals and rescued a minor suspected to have been kidnapped from Taraba State, on transit to Anambra State and 2 other victims in Abakaliki LGA of Ebonyi State as well as Aninri and Ihiala LGAs of Enugu and Anambra States.
He reaffirmed that the safety and well-being of every Nigerian remain military utmost priority. "We are working in collaboration with other security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities to restore lasting peace to all troubled areas." he said