The Defence Headquarters says troops of Operation Delta Safe destroyed 27 illegal refining sites in May 2025.

This was contained in a statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, on Sunday in Abuja.

According to Kangye, the troops also foiled oil theft worth over N31.4 million, including seizure of 77,530 litres of stolen crude oil, 10,340 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, AGO, 2,700 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene, DPK, and 1,240 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS.

Kangye said other items recovered include outboard engines, pipes, pumping machines, drilling machines, horses, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones, and nine vehicles.

“Troops of Operation Delta Safe sustained operational tempo against crude oil thieves and other criminals in the Niger Delta.

“Additionally, they discovered and destroyed 21 crude oil cooking ovens, 34 dugout pits, 13 boats, one barge, one tug boat,40 storage tanks, and nine drums.

“Furthermore, 27 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested while assorted arms and ammunition were also recovered,” he said.

The defense spokesman further stated that the troops also undertook anti-kidnapping and anti-criminality operations on June 1, in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta.

He reiterated that three criminals were arrested, while some weapons and ammunition as well as mobile phones, laptops, television sets, and vehicle from them during the operations.

According to him, the troops also apprehended 13 suspected vandals/criminals in Sapele, Aniocha North and Ugheli Local Government Areas of Delta as well as Degema and Ekeremor Local Government Areas of Rivers and Bayelsa.