No fewer than 237 suspected oil thieves have been arrested by Nigerian troops during a series of operations conducted between July 10 and 17, 2025, across the Niger Delta and other parts of the country.
The Defence Headquarters, which disclosed this on Friday, said the troops also recovered petroleum products worth over N241 million, alongside a haul of arms, ammunition, and illegal refining equipment.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, in a statement, explained that the coordinated operations targeted oil theft, terrorism, kidnapping, and illegal arms trading across different regions.
According to Kangye, during the anti-oil theft raids, troops confiscated 230,400 litres of stolen crude oil, 13,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and 2,500 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
He added that security personnel also dismantled several illegal refining camps, destroying 30 crude oil cooking ovens, 28 dugout pits, 14 storage drums, 7 large tanks, 8 vehicles, 2 boats, and 14 illegal refineries.
Beyond the oil corridor, troops recorded major breakthroughs in the fight against terrorism and kidnapping. Between July 18 and 20, troops apprehended a notorious terrorist, Muhammadu Hamisu, popularly known as Mamiyo, alongside five others during clearance operations in Sokoto State.
Items recovered from the gang included weapons, illicit drugs, motorcycles, and cash totalling ₦192,300.
Kangye further revealed that on July 16, troops arrested a known associate of a violent extremist leader responsible for attacks and abductions around the Federal University Wukari and Jootar-Wukari axis in Taraba State.
A suspected informant for kidnapping syndicates, identified as Kachalla Shuaibu, was arrested in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
In another intelligence-led operation in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State on July 19, troops apprehended a gunrunner, Haruna Abdullahi, with 350 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition in his possession.
During the same week, the military also rescued 139 kidnap victims and arrested 49 other suspects, including terrorists, logistics suppliers, and kidnappers.
The Defence Headquarters reiterated its commitment to restoring peace and security across the country while urging citizens to continue supporting the Armed Forces with credible information.
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