Troops under Operation Delta Safe have ramped up their campaign against economic sabotage in the Niger Delta, dismantling 19 illegal oil refining sites and preventing crude oil theft valued at over ₦291 million within the past week.
Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, confirmed the intensified operations, detailing the destruction of 18 crude oil cooking ovens, 32 dugout pits, 21 storage tanks, 17 drums, and 16 boats used by oil thieves. The troops also seized 201,345 litres of stolen crude oil, 29,730 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, and 1,759 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene.
A total of 42 suspected oil thieves were arrested. Weapons, explosives, and various items such as pumping machines, drilling machines, motorcycles, tricycles, and 13 vehicles were recovered. The military also rescued several kidnapped victims during these operations.
In related operations across Rivers and Delta States, troops apprehended a notorious cult leader, Prince Johnson Ishirim (alias Commander Junior), along with 13 other suspected kidnappers. Arrests were made in Ahoada East, Oshimili, Warri South, and Ukwani Local Government Areas, where weapons and vehicles were recovered from the suspects.
In Bayelsa State, 28 suspected oil thieves and multiple drug dealers were taken into custody following a raid on a known criminal hideout in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
Meanwhile, in the South East, troops of Operation Udoka engaged suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network.
Two suspects were neutralized, 14 others arrested, and six kidnapped individuals were rescued during raids across Anambra, Abia, and Imo States.
An intelligence-driven operation in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State led to the rescue of two kidnapped victims on July 14. In Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, a suspected IPOB/ESN tax collector was arrested, and troops recovered ₦1.5 million in extorted money.
Elsewhere in the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai, alongside air components and local security outfits, launched coordinated assaults across Borno and Yobe States.
Several Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province fighters were killed, while others—many of them women and children—surrendered. Operations in Bama, Gwoza, Kukawa, and Konduga led to the arrest of 11 suspected collaborators, the rescue of seven kidnapped victims, and the recovery of arms, ammunition, and improvised explosive devices.
In Yobe State, troops arrested a 65-year-old logistics supplier, Shaibu Bulama, while he was receiving suspicious items.
Troops under Operation Fasin Yamma and Operation Safe Haven also carried out joint missions across Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Niger, and Katsina States. Several terrorists were killed, nine suspects arrested, and seven kidnapped individuals were rescued. Notably, in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, troops apprehended three suspected arms dealers in possession of nine AK-47 rifles and 450 rounds of ammunition.
