Nigeria’s military says sustained security operations across key flashpoints in 2025 have significantly disrupted oil theft networks in the Niger Delta, leading to the destruction of hundreds of illegal refining sites and the arrest of hundreds of suspects.

The Defence Headquarters disclosed that troops under Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) uncovered and dismantled 503 illegal oil refining sites during the year, while 778 suspected oil thieves were apprehended across the region.

The operations also led to the rescue of 53 kidnapped victims.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, made this known on Wednesday in Abuja while briefing journalists on the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s activities in 2025.

According to him, the achievements followed a sustained military campaign targeting oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other criminal activities that continue to undermine economic stability in the Niger Delta.

Onoja noted that the security environment in the region remained volatile, with recurring cases of cult-related violence, kidnapping, youth restiveness and armed robbery.

He said oil theft has remained a major driver of criminal financing, while pipeline vandalism continues to expose communities to environmental degradation and economic hardship.

“Oil theft provides criminals with resources to fund their operations while inflicting substantial economic losses on the nation,” he said, adding that vandalism of critical oil infrastructure poses serious environmental risks and weakens the socio-economic viability of both the region and the country.

The defence spokesman said the Armed Forces, working with other security agencies, recorded notable successes in degrading the operational capacity of oil thieves and illegal bunkerers.

He revealed that troops foiled crude oil theft valued at N8.91 billion during the year, with recoveries including 16.6 million litres of crude oil, 1.2 million litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 407,734 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and 1.5 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

In addition to destroying illegal refining sites, Onoja said troops also recovered assorted arms and ammunition during the operations.

Beyond the Niger Delta, the military also highlighted gains recorded in the South-east under Operation UDO KA, where intensified operations were launched against violent groups destabilising the region.

Onoja said the imprisonment of key separatist figures, including Simon Ekpa by the Finnish authorities and Nnamdi Kanu in Abuja, had significantly weakened the operational capabilities of the groups.

He explained that intelligence breakthroughs exposed the groups’ strategies, prompting the deployment of additional troops, military platforms and combat equipment to the area.

“As a result, intelligence-driven operations have largely curtailed their activities by targeting their key organisers and fighters,” he said.

According to him, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralised several terrorists during the year, arrested 324 suspects and rescued more than 64 kidnapped persons, while recovering weapons and ammunition.

The Defence Headquarters said the military remains committed to sustaining pressure on criminal networks across the country to enhance national security and protect critical economic assets.