In a major push to fight crime and protect national resources, Nigerian troops under Operation Delta Safe and Operation Udoka have recorded victories in the South-East and South-South zones across Delta, Rivers, Imo, and Enugu States. The operations, carried out over the past week reportedly led to the arrest of dozens of criminals and the destruction of several illegal oil sites.
In a press briefing with Symfoni, Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations revealed that these troops recovered over 147,000 litres of stolen crude oil, 96,000 litres of illegally refined diesel and 315 litres of kerosene during raids in the Niger Delta. These operations are part of a broader effort to clamp down on illegal oil activities that are damaging the environment and robbing the country of revenue.
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In addition to seizing the stolen products, Gen. Kangye also revealed that troops destroyed 42 illegal oil refining ovens, 68 dug pits, 25 boats, 3 speed boats, 58 storage tanks, 66 drums, and 34 illegal refining sites. Equipment such as pumping and drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones, and five vehicles were also recovered.
He added thatTwenty-seven suspected oil thieves and other criminals were arrested during these operations. In a separate mission between May 1 and 3, troops stormed communities in Isoko West and Dqua, Delta State, where three criminals were arrested and large amounts of natural gas were recovered.
Acting on intelligence, Gen. Kangye said the troops also arrested six suspected vandals and kidnappers in Abua/Odual and Ahoada West Local Government Areas of Rivers State, and Ope LGA of Delta State, between May 2 and 4. They have been handed over to the appropriate security agencies for investigation and prosecution.
Meanwhile, in the South-East, the Military General said troops under Operation Udoka also recorded successes. Between April 30 and May 6, they engaged suspected terrorists in Osu and Ideato LGAs of Imo State, and in Aninri and Awgu LGAs of Enugu State. Several terrorists were neutralized, and troops recovered arms, ammunition, and materials used to make bombs. Adding that on May 1, one suspected criminal was arrested in Awgu, Enugu State following credible intelligence.
General Kangye assured Nigerians that the military remains committed to its duty of protecting lives and property. He emphasized that these operations are carried out in line with the law and respect for human rights. He also urged the public to continue sharing useful information to help security agencies do their job better.
“We cannot do it alone,” he said. “Fighting insecurity is a job for everyone. We need support from local communities to succeed.”
He also cautioned Nigerians to be careful about what they believe on social media, explaining that terrorists often use fake or old videos to create fear and confusion.
