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The Defence Headquarters has announced that troops successfully foiled an oil theft operation worth over ₦1 billion in the South-South within a week.
During the operation, security forces seized 675,266 litres of stolen crude oil, 312,593 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and 4,500 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK).
Troops also destroyed 51 crude oil cooking ovens, 49 dugout pits, 43 boats, 28 storage tanks, 131 drums, and 56 illegal refining sites used by oil thieves. Additionally, security operatives recovered four pumping machines, four tricycles, three motorcycles, seven mobile phones, and eight vehicles.
According to a statement signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, the troops conducted these operations in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), other security agencies, and hybrid forces.
According to the DHQ, their activities included fighting and confidence-building patrols, raids, ambushes, clearance missions, and search-and-rescue operations.
It also noted that beyond the South-South, the Armed Forces intensified counterterrorism operations, leading to the neutralization of 74 terrorists and the arrest of 130 suspected others between February 5 and March 13, 2025.
“Additionally, 31 individuals linked to oil theft were apprehended, and 61 kidnapped victims were rescued,” it added.
The DHQ also reported that security forces recovered 71 weapons and 1,289 rounds of ammunition.
Among the recovered weapons were 32 AK-47 rifles, 15 locally fabricated guns, nine dane guns, three pump-action guns, two locally made pistols, and 10 other assorted arms.
Also seized were 1,133 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and 69 live cartridges.
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the country.
“The gallant men and women of the Armed Forces will continue to uphold their constitutional duties in line with the Rules of Engagement and the Code of Conduct for Internal Security Operations,” the statement read.
Guardian
