The Nigerian Armed Forces have reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the country’s critical national assets and cracking down on oil thieves in the Niger Delta region.
Military’s Stand on Infrastructure Protection
During a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, emphasized that the military would not allow any individual or group to compromise vital national infrastructure.
His statement follows recent explosions on crude oil pipelines in Rivers State. Kangye reassured the public that the military remains proactive in defending oil installations and other key assets across the country.
“The field commanders are fully aware of developments on the ground. They are investigating the incidents and will present their findings in due course,” he stated.
He further stressed that security forces would take all necessary measures to prevent the destruction of vital infrastructure by criminal elements.
Operation Delta Safe’s Anti-Oil Theft Success
In the past week, troops of Operation Delta Safe successfully foiled oil theft operations worth an estimated ₦461.7 million in the South-South region.
The operation led to the recovery of:
- 247,629 litres of stolen crude oil
- 198,374 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (diesel)
- 36 crude oil cooking ovens
- 42 dugout pits
- 28 boats
- 33 storage tanks
- 65 drums
- 21 illegal refining sites
Security forces also seized several items, including pumping machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones, and vehicles used in illegal refining activities.
Additionally, 17 suspected oil thieves and other criminals were arrested, while arms, ammunition, and an extra magazine were recovered during operations.
Commitment to Security and Stability
Kangye reiterated that the military remains resolute in ensuring the security of Nigeria’s oil infrastructure and national assets. He assured Nigerians that ongoing operations would be intensified to dismantle illegal oil refining networks and apprehend perpetrators.
The military urged citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could aid in the fight against economic sabotage and criminal activities.
