DHQ: Over 70 Illegal Oil Sites Destroyed in One Week
The Defence Headquarters on Thursday said troops of Operation Delta Safe have destroyed more than 70 illegal oil refining sites in the Niger Delta as part of ongoing operations against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye disclosed this while briefing journalists in Abuja, said the operations were carried out between June 6 and 13, 2025, across several locations in the region.
According to him, the troops discovered and dismantled 73 crude oil cooking ovens, 32 dugout pits, 19 boats, 51 storage tanks, 28 drums, and 21 illegal refining sites.
They also seized 142,960 litres of stolen crude oil, 39,175 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and 29,500 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) during the raids.
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Other items recovered during the operations include outboard engines, pipes, pumping machines, drilling machines, motorcycles, tricycles, mobile phones, and 12 vehicles used by the oil thieves.
In addition, the troops arrested 23 suspects involved in illegal oil bunkering and related criminal activities. Several arms and ammunition were also recovered during the operations.
“These operations are part of the sustained efforts by the Armed Forces of Nigeria to curb oil theft, protect critical national economic assets, and deny criminals the opportunity to sabotage the country’s oil sector,” Kangye said.
The military said troops remain on high alert across the region to dismantle remaining illegal refining camps and arrest operators behind the illegal oil business that has contributed to environmental degradation and economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.
The latest operation adds to the ongoing nationwide military campaign, which also recorded successes in counter-insurgency, anti-banditry, and anti-kidnapping operations in the North East, North West, North Central, and South East during the week under review.
By PRNigeria
