Nigerian troops have thwarted an operation to steal oil worth N461.7 million in the South-South region, in a major crackdown on oil thieves in one week.
However, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said it was not aware of communities in the North that struck peace deals with terrorists/bandits for protection.
The military operation, which targeted economic saboteurs, led to the interception of 247,629 litres of stolen crude oil and 198,374 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
Troops also uncovered and dismantled an extensive network of illegal refining infrastructure. Among the dismantled assets were 36 crude oil cooking ovens, 42 dugout pits, 28 boats, 33 storage tanks, 65 drums and 21 illicit refining sites. In addition, authorities seized various items used in the illicit trade, including pumping machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones and vehicles.
Speaking at a briefing in Abuja, yesterday, Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Maj-Gen Markus Kangye, highlighted that the crackdown was part of broader efforts to curb economic sabotage and organised crime in Nigeria’s oil-rich regions.
He noted that the military’s coordinated strategy had continued to yield significant results in securing national assets and disrupting criminal enterprises.
As part of the operation, troops apprehended 23 oil theft suspects and rescued several kidnapped hostages.
Military efforts were further reinforced by air interdiction missions, armed reconnaissance patrols, and close air support from the Air Component, targeting terrorist hideouts and disrupting logistical supply chains.
Beyond the crackdown on oil theft, the Nigerian military, in collaboration with hybrid forces, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and other security agencies, intensified counterterrorism operations across multiple theatres.
THE DDMO, while fielding questions during a briefing, yesterday, at the DHQ said: “To the best of our knowledge, we have never had any peace deal with bandits as mentioned. Why do communities want to do that? I don’t think they wanted to accept approval from the military to do so. And the military, I don’t think, is aware of that.
“The military is conducting its operations according to the rules of the engagement. So, if any community calls for a mandate for peace with terrorists, the military does not support that.”
Media reports revealed that some North-West communities are allegedly brokering peace agreements with terrorists and bandits to safeguard against violent attack.
Reacting to invasion of some soldiers of electricity distribution companies in Lagos, Kangye said the military was a disciplined profession and would not tolerate such acts.
According to him, there are chains of command, and the issues must have been dealt with appropriately.
He said: “The armed forces do not and will never tolerate any unprofessional conduct from soldiers. The military has prescribed punishment for such an act. In some cases, soldiers were even dismissed from the service based on the terms of the offence. So, I am sure that it should have been dealt with at the unit level.”