Abuja, Nigeria The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has announced significant operational successes between May 15 and 22, 2025, across multiple theatres of operations nationwide. Notably, troops thwarted oil theft valued at over ₦533.5 million, dismantled 18 illegal refining sites, and arrested 51 oil thieves and criminal suspects.
This was disclosed by the Director of Defense Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, in a press briefing on Saturday, detailing weekly updates on ongoing military operations.
Major Achievements:
- Oil Theft and Illegal Refining:
Troops under Operation DELTA SAFE uncovered and destroyed 45 illegal crude oil cooking ovens, 30 dugout pits, 37 storage tanks, 16 boats, and 11 drums used in illegal refining activities.
Recovered materials include 550,350 litres of stolen crude oil, 13,710 litres of illegally refined diesel (AGO), and 350 litres of kerosene (DPK). Other seized items include pumping machines, drilling equipment, tricycles, motorcycles, four vehicles, and mobile phones. - Rescue and Arrests:
A total of 51 suspects were arrested in connection with oil theft and related crimes. In separate operations across other regions, troops rescued dozens of kidnap victims and arrested several criminal suspects, including terrorists and their collaborators. - Recovered Weapons:
Troops recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including mortar bombs, IED-making materials, extra magazines, and handheld radios.
Breakdown by Operation Theatres:
Operation HADIN KAI (North-East)
- Terrorists, including women and children, continued to surrender in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States.
- Troops neutralized several terrorists and rescued 14 kidnap victims in joint clearance operations across Gwoza, Bama, Kukawa, and other LGAs.
- 13 logistics suppliers to ISWAP/JAS were arrested with items including nitrogen cylinders and cash.
Operation FASAN YAMMA (North-West)
- Armed confrontations in Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto, and Kebbi States led to the neutralization of terrorists and rescue of 25 kidnapped victims.
- A notorious terrorist kingpin’s camp, Sule Jedi, was destroyed in Katsina State.
- Troops recovered weapons, motorcycles, radios, and ₦2.5 million in cash from collaborators.
Operation SAFE HAVEN (North-Central)
- In Plateau and Kaduna States, troops neutralized extremists and rescued 4 kidnap victims.
- 15 suspects were arrested for kidnapping and other criminal activities.
- Among them were 3 foreign nationals and 2 Chadians posing as international workers.
Operation WHIRL STROKE (Benue, Kogi, Niger)
- Troops engaged extremists in Benue, Kogi, and Niger, neutralizing several and rescuing 2 victims.
- Anti-kidnapping operations led to the arrest of armed robbers and recovery of weapons in Nasarawa.
Operation UDO KA (South-East)
- Three suspects were arrested in Enugu and Imo States.
- A kidnapped victim was rescued in Anambra State during targeted operations against separatist threats.
Military Commitment and Appeal for Support
Major General Kangye reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Armed Forces under the leadership of Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, to restore peace and security across Nigeria.
“Our operations are aimed at dismantling criminal networks, restoring peace, and protecting our citizens. We urge Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue sharing credible information with security agencies,” he said.
He emphasized that the AFN will continue to operate within the confines of the law and international human rights standards while maintaining the momentum in its joint efforts against terrorism, oil theft, and criminality nationwide.
