Task Force Recovered N7 Billion Worth of Stolen Products in 1st Quarter, 2025

In a significant blow to oil thieves and bunkerers, the Nigerian military has announced the recovery of over N7 billion worth of stolen petroleum products in the first quarter of the year.

The operation, conducted by troops of Operation Delta Safe and other joint military operations in the Niger Delta region, has dealt a major setback to the illicit activities of oil thieves and bunkerers who have been siphoning off the country’s crude oil and petroleum products.

According to the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen Markus Kangye, the troops seized a total of 6,290,437 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,319,437 litres of diesel, 6,130 litres of kerosene, and 4,545 litres of petrol. The recovered items are valued at over N7 billion, a significant amount that could have been lost to the nation’s coffers if not for the timely intervention of the military.

In addition to the recovery of stolen petroleum products, the troops also destroyed 122 illegal refining sites, which were being used by the oil thieves and bunkerers to refine and sell the stolen products. The destruction of these sites is a major milestone in the fight against oil theft, as it will disrupt the supply chain of the illicit activities and make it more difficult for the thieves to operate.

The military also announced the arrest of 11 oil thieves and bunkerers, who were caught in the act of stealing and refining crude oil. The troops also seized various equipment and machinery used by the thieves, including 257 crude oil cooking ovens, 128 dugout pits, 192 boats, 138 storage tanks, 236 drums, and 90 vehicles. The seizure of these equipment will further cripple the operations of the oil thieves and make it more difficult for them to continue their illicit activities.

The military also seized several speed boats and pumping machines, which were being used by the oil thieves to transport and pump the stolen crude oil. The seizure of these boats and machines will disrupt the transportation network of the thieves and make it more difficult for them to move the stolen products to their destinations.

The recovery of N7 billion worth of stolen petroleum products is a significant boost to the nation’s economy, as it will help to reduce the financial losses incurred by the country due to oil theft. The destruction of illegal refining sites and the arrest of oil thieves will also help to reduce the environmental damage caused by the illicit activities, as well as the risk of accidents and explosions associated with the refining of crude oil in makeshift facilities.

The success of the military operation is a testament to the commitment of the Nigerian military to fighting oil theft and protecting the nation’s resources. The military has been working tirelessly to disrupt the operations of oil thieves and bunkerers, and the recovery of N7 billion worth of stolen petroleum products is a significant milestone in this effort. The military has vowed to continue its operations and bring the perpetrators of oil theft to justice, in order to protect the nation’s economy and resources.

The military has called on the public to collaborate with them in the fight against oil theft, by providing information and reporting any suspicious activities to the authorities. The military has also assured the public that they will continue to work tirelessly to protect the nation’s resources and bring the perpetrators of oil theft to justice. With the continued support of the public, the military is confident that they can eradicate oil theft and protect the nation’s economy.