By Matthew Denis
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that troops intercepted stolen petroleum products valued at N217,664,618 and shut down 16 illegal refining sites during operations carried out in November 2025.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this during a briefing in Abuja on Thursday, noting that the breakthroughs were recorded across military theatres in the South-South and nearby regions.
He said, “Troops foiled oil theft worth two hundred and seventeen million, six hundred and sixty-four thousand, six hundred and eighteen naira, representing 201,700 litres of crude oil and 88,177 litres of AGO. Sixteen illegal refining sites were deactivated nationwide.”
Providing further details, Onoja reported that in the Niger Delta alone, troops intercepted 11,850 litres of stolen crude oil and 540 litres of AGO, estimated at N12,120,020, within a one-week span.
“Troops discovered and destroyed four illegal refining sites and arrested 25 oil thieves and other criminals. Assorted arms and ammunition were also recovered,” he added.
He noted that between 27 and 29 November, troops conducted coordinated offensive operations and air reconnaissance missions in Bayelsa, Delta, Imo and Rivers states, neutralising criminal elements and arresting three additional suspects.
Onoja stressed that oil theft “continues to threaten the economy,” but assured Nigerians that sustained military pressure would further weaken criminal networks.
He said the Armed Forces would continue to collaborate with security agencies and host communities to safeguard critical national infrastructure.