Korede Abdullah 
ABUJA, Nigeria — Troops of Operation Delta Safe have destroyed 41 illegal refineries and foiled crude oil theft worth over ₦112 million across the Niger Delta in September, the Defence Headquarters announced.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, said the raids targeted bunkering networks in Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers States. “Troops sustained aggressive patrols and reconnaissance to disrupt oil theft operations,” he said.
Recovered items included 49,321 litres of crude oil, 6,970 litres of diesel, 1,900 litres of kerosene, and 1,475 litres of petrol.
Kangye added that troops dismantled 21 cooking ovens, 11 storage tanks, nine dugout pits, seven boats, and other equipment used in refining. Several suspects were arrested.
The Defence Headquarters stressed that oil theft undermines Nigeria’s revenue, worsens insecurity, and devastates the environment. “Our operations will continue to target sources and transport channels until these criminal enterprises are dismantled,” Kangye said.
Communities were urged to provide intelligence, with officials noting that collaboration remains critical to long-term success.
Crude oil theft costs Nigeria billions annually, threatening energy stability and foreign earnings.
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