By Nkechi Eze
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have intensified efforts to safeguard the country’s economic security through sustained operations against crude oil theft, illegal refining and other forms of economic sabotage, dismantling 49 illegal refining sites and recovering 756,837 litres of stolen petroleum products in October 2026.
The operations, conducted under Operation DELTA SAFE in collaboration with Operation DELTA SENTINEL, also resulted in the arrest of 45 suspected criminals and the disruption of networks involved in the theft, processing and distribution of illegally sourced petroleum products across the Niger Delta.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Friday during the monthly press briefing on ongoing military operations by the Armed Forces, covering activities between September 30 and October 30, 2026.
He said troops sustained operations against crude oil theft, kidnapping and other criminal activities across Cross River, Edo and Rivers States, as part of broader efforts to protect critical national assets, secure the country’s oil and gas infrastructure and deny economic saboteurs access to resources meant for national development.
According to him, troops recorded significant successes in several locations, including Okarki Forest in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, where an anti-illegal oil bunkering operation on October 7 led to the discovery of three illegal refining sites.
The operation, he said, further disrupted the activities of oil thieves and denied them access to facilities used to sustain their illicit trade.
Onoja also disclosed that troops intervened in Ekureku Community, Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State, on October 1, following a disturbance in which residents mobbed and disarmed personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) during a raid.
He said the military rescued the NDLEA personnel, recovered five FN rifles and two Beretta pistols seized by residents and safely escorted the officers to Ugep Community.
Beyond economic security operations in the South-South, the Defence spokesperson said troops also sustained offensives against kidnapping and other criminal networks across the country.
He disclosed that the Armed Forces neutralised more than 217 terrorists and criminals, arrested 333 suspects and rescued 349 kidnapped persons during the period under review.
The operations also led to the surrender of 70 insurgents, recovery of 105 firearms and 3,174 rounds of ammunition, as troops maintained pressure on criminal groups across the six geopolitical zones.
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralised 162 terrorists, arrested 98 suspects and rescued 39 kidnapped persons across Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States, while 68 terrorists surrendered.
In the North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded the neutralisation of 18 terrorists, arrest of 10 suspects and rescue of 167 kidnapped victims across Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States.
Similarly, troops of Operations SAVANNAH SHIELD, ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE sustained operations against terrorism, kidnapping and illegal arms trafficking in the North-Central region, recording several arrests, rescues and recoveries.
In the South-East, Operation UDO KA recorded the neutralisation of two terrorists, arrest of 22 criminals and rescue of 33 civilians across Abia, Anambra and Imo States.
Onoja further disclosed that the Armed Forces recorded 98 attacks across the various theatres of operation during the month, but troops responded decisively and successfully repelled the assaults.
He said the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commended troops for their commitment and resilience, urging them to sustain the operational tempo while maintaining discipline and strict adherence to the rules of engagement.
The CDS also called for stronger collaboration among security agencies and improved intelligence sharing to address emerging security threats.
He urged traditional rulers, community leaders and members of the public to support ongoing operations by providing credible information on the activities of terrorists, oil thieves, illegal refiners and other criminal elements.
The military reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, securing critical national assets and denying criminal networks the freedom to undermine Nigeria’s economic stability and national security.
