BY NEWS DESK, JANUARY 31, 2026 | 12:39 PM
The Defence Headquarters says troops of Operation Delta Safe, have destroyed no fewer than 53 illegal refining sites and arrested 81 suspected oil thieves and other criminals in sustained operations across Niger Delta region in January.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, made this known on Friday in Abuja while briefing newsmen on the operations of the armed forces in January.
Mr Onoja said the troops responded to multiple distress calls linked to sea piracy, illegal refining and other criminal activities during the period under review.
He said the troops also recovered assorted arms and ammunition while dismantling several illicit refining camps across the region.
According to him, further offensive operations were conducted in Ini and Essien Udim Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom, as well as Okpe Local Government Area of Delta, where five additional suspects were arrested and weapons recovered.
“As part of efforts to curb crude oil theft, the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe carried out armed reconnaissance missions over Bakana and Abuloma towns.
“During the missions, a large barge was observed siphoning petroleum products and was subsequently engaged,” he said.
Onoja said that over 80 militants surrendered to troops, while eight Cameroonian nationals were rescued during cross-border patrols along the Bakassi waterways during the period.
In the South-East, He said the troops of Operation UDO KA sustained operations against terrorists, militants and other criminal elements across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States.
He said the troops neutralised some terrorists, apprehended 22 suspects and rescued 11 kidnapped victims, with arms and ammunition recovered during various operations.
According to him, security assessments indicate a significant reduction in crime rates across the South-East compared to previous months, reflecting the effectiveness of sustained military pressure and non-kinetic engagements.
He reiterated the unwavering commitment of the military to ongoing operations across all theatres, assuring citizens of continued professionalism, inter-agency cooperation and resolve to restore peace and stability nationwide.
NAN
Conflict Reporting is dangerous and risky. Our reporters constantly face life-threatening challenges, sometimes surviving ambushes, kidnap attempts and attacks by the whiskers as they travel and go into communities to get authentic and firsthand information. But we dare it every day, nonetheless, in order to keep you informed of the true situation of the victims, the trends in the conflicts and ultimately help in peace building processes. But these come at huge cost to us. We are therefore appealing to you to help our cause by donating to us through any of the following means. You can also donate working tools, which are even more primary to our work. We thank you sincerely as you help our cause.
Alternatively, you can also email us on
info@yen.ng or message us
via +234 803 931 7767
