Military Destroys 95 Illegal Refineries, Foil N1.9bn Oil Theft in April, Says DHQ
Troops of Operation Delta Safe have deactivated 95 illegal refining sites and thwarted crude oil theft operations valued at approximately ₦1.9 billion in April 2025, the Defence Headquarters has disclosed.
Speaking at a media briefing on Thursday in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, said the troops seized significant volumes of stolen petroleum products during sustained operations across the Niger Delta.
According to Kangye, the troops confiscated nearly one million litres of stolen crude oil, 304,811 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and 3,480 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK). They also recovered 19,875 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and 1,600 litres of engine oil.
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“In the course of these operations, troops discovered and destroyed 351 crude oil cooking ovens, 418 dugout pits, 160 storage tanks, 721 drums, and 95 illegal refining sites,” Kangye said.
Additional items recovered included pumping and drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones, 42 vehicles, boats, and speedboats.
He emphasized that troops sustained an aggressive operational tempo against oil thieves and other criminal elements in the region throughout the month.
Kangye further revealed that from May 1 to May 3, troops conducted offensive operations in Ndokwa and Isoko South Local Government Areas of Delta State, resulting in the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of a large quantity of natural gas.
In a separate operation, acting on credible intelligence, troops apprehended six suspected vandals and kidnappers in Onelga and Oyigbo LGAs of Rivers State, and Okpe LGA of Delta State.
“All apprehended individuals have been handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution,” he added.
The Defence Headquarters reiterated its commitment to safeguarding national assets and ensuring security in the Niger Delta and across the country.
