The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reported significant gains in its January security operations across the Niger Delta, announcing the destruction of 53 illegal crude oil refining sites and the arrest of 81 suspected oil thieves and other criminal elements.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed the details on Friday in Abuja while briefing journalists on nationwide military activities.
Onoja said the operations were conducted by troops of Operation Delta Safe in response to persistent distress calls related to sea piracy, crude oil theft, illegal refining and other economic sabotage in oil-producing areas.
According to him, soldiers dismantled multiple illegal refining camps across the region and recovered assorted weapons and ammunition during the raids, as part of efforts to curb insecurity and protect critical national assets.
He added that further operations were carried out in Ini and Essien Udim Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State, as well as Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, where five additional suspects were arrested and arms recovered.
To disrupt crude oil theft activities along waterways, Onoja said the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe also conducted armed reconnaissance missions over Bakana and Abuloma communities.
“During the missions, a large barge was observed siphoning petroleum products and was subsequently engaged,” he said.
Beyond the Niger Delta, the DHQ reported other notable security developments. Onoja said more than 80 militants surrendered to troops during the period, while eight Cameroonian nationals were rescued during joint patrols along the Bakassi waterways, underscoring ongoing cross-border security challenges.
In the South-East, Onoja said troops under Operation UDO KA intensified operations against terrorists, militants and criminal gangs across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states.
He said several terrorists were neutralised, 22 suspects arrested and 11 kidnapped victims rescued, with arms and ammunition recovered during the operations.
According to the military, recent security assessments indicate a reduction in crime across the South-East compared to previous months, a development attributed to sustained military pressure and community-based, non-kinetic engagements.
Major General Onoja reaffirmed the armed forces’ commitment to restoring peace and stability across the country, assuring Nigerians of continued professionalism, collaboration with other security agencies and decisive action against criminal activities nationwide.
