🇳🇬 Nigerian Troops Foil N25m Oil Theft, Neutralize Terrorists Across South-South, North-East, and North-West

Nigerian troops have foiled oil theft worth over N25 million and successfully neutralized terrorists, arrested criminals, and rescued kidnapped victims across multiple regions in coordinated operations last week.

Zig Diaries Defence
Date: Thursday, 22 August 2025
Time: 115:40 WAT
Location: 📍 Abuja, Nigeria

The Defence Headquarters said the operations, conducted by Operation DELTA SAFE, Operation Hadin Kai, and Operation Fansan Yamma, underscore the Armed Forces’ resolve to protect Nigeria’s sovereignty, secure critical resources, and restore peace in troubled areas.

The Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed that 25,820 litres of stolen crude oil were destroyed, alongside two crude oil cooking ovens, four dugout pits, seven storage tanks, three boats, and eight illegal refining sites. Troops recovered pumping machines, vehicles, tricycles, and mobile phones.

General Kangye said 33 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested, with assorted arms, ammunition, and explosives seized. In Delta and Akwa Ibom states, gunrunners, drug peddlers, and other criminals were apprehended, while pipeline vandals were arrested in Rivers State.

Troops also foiled a kidnapping attempt in Aniocha LGA, Delta State, rescuing the victim, killing three kidnappers, and recovering N2,336,000 intended for ransom.

In the North-East, Operation Hadin Kai troops eliminated terrorists, arrested nine collaborators, rescued three victims, and recovered weapons, vehicles, and cash, while safely detonating improvised explosive devices. Operations covered Borno State, targeting terrorists in Monguno, Kukawa, Mobbar, Gwoza, Konduga, Chibok, Ngazai, and Bama LGAs.

In the North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma troops conducted successful offensives in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Niger states. They rescued 60 kidnapped victims, eliminated terrorists, and arrested 14 suspects, including accomplices.

General Kangye emphasized that the coordinated air, ground, and hybrid operations with local security stakeholders are restoring peace, dismantling criminal networks, and supporting displaced persons’ safe return to farming and economic activities.

“The gallant troops, in conjunction with other security agencies and Hybrid Forces, will continue to work together using global best practices to ensure peace and security is returned to all troubled parts of the country,” he said.

Fact-Check & Background Context:

Operation DELTA SAFE, Hadin Kai, and Fansan Yamma are ongoing Nigerian Armed Forces campaigns against insurgency, banditry, and pipeline vandalism.

Oil theft and crude oil refining are major security challenges in the South-South region, costing Nigeria millions annually.

Coordinated efforts with hybrid forces, local security stakeholders, and air support have become central to national security strategies.

The military’s operational success contributes to stabilizing local communities, protecting livelihoods, and supporting safe resettlement of displaced persons.

🏷Tags:
Operation DELTA SAFE, Operation Hadin Kai, Operation Fansan Yamma, Nigerian Armed Forces, Oil Theft, Terrorism, Kidnapping, Security Operations, Delta State, Borno State, Zamfara State

#ZigDiariesDefence #NigerianArmy #OilTheft #AntiTerrorism #KidnapRescue #OperationHadinKai #OperationDeltaSafe #OperationFansanYamma #NigeriaSecurity