The Defence Headquarters has announced significant operational gains by troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the South-South region, with major successes recorded in the fight against oil theft, illegal refining, and kidnapping. The update was disclosed on Friday, 27 March 2026, by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, who reaffirmed the military’s commitment to protecting critical national infrastructure and curbing criminal activities in the Niger Delta.
According to the report, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE intensified operations across Rivers, Edo, and Cross River States, leading to the arrest of suspected criminals and the dismantling of illegal refining networks. On 22 March 2026, troops arrested a suspected kidnapper in the Fertilizer area of Etsako East LGA in Edo State. On 23 March 2026, troops uncovered an illegal refining site in Abessa Forest, Ahoada West LGA of Rivers State, recovering key equipment including a drum oven, receiver, reservoir containing about 1,800 litres of stolen crude oil, as well as extensive pipelines and hoses used for illicit operations. On the same day, troops intercepted a tricycle transporting approximately 600 litres of suspected illegally refined petroleum products at Ndoni Junction in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, apprehending the rider and securing the exhibits.
Further operations on 24 March 2026 led to the arrest of another suspect in Ekukulena Community, Ikom LGA of Cross River State, who was found in possession of a locally-made pistol. Troops also dismantled an additional illegal refining site in Okarki Forest, Ahoada West LGA of Rivers State, recovering about 125 litres of illegally refined AGO. In a related development, troops intercepted a Lexus GX470 SUV along the Bonny–Bodo Road conveying 58 sacks containing approximately 1,500 litres of illegally refined AGO. Sustained anti-bunkering operations on 25 March 2026 in Orashi National Forest further exposed illegal refining infrastructure, including drum ovens, cooling systems, pipes, and waste pits, all of which were handled in accordance with operational procedures. On 26 March 2026, troops arrested another suspected kidnapper during a patrol at Eghonk Forest in Agbede, Etsako West LGA of Edo State, with the suspect subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation.
The Defence Headquarters noted that these operations reflect the Armed Forces’ sustained resolve to dismantle oil theft syndicates and criminal networks undermining Nigeria’s economic stability. It assured Nigerians that operations will continue with increased intensity, in collaboration with other security agencies, to ensure lasting peace and security across the Niger Delta region.