The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has declared an
uncompromising war on economic saboteurs, announcing a series of crushing blows
against crude oil theft syndicates in the South-South region. In a statement released on Friday, March 6, 2026, Major General Michael Onoja, Director
of Defence Media Operations, revealed that Operation DELTA SAFE has successfully
destroyed four illegal refining sites and recovered over 50,000 litres of
stolen crude oil in a week-long surge of kinetic activities.
"The era of profiting from the theft of
Nigeria's resources is over," Major General Onoja stated. "Through aggressive
intelligence-led patrols, drone surveillance, and rapid response teams, we are
closing the net on bunkerers. Our troops are dismantling their equipment,
intercepting their supply lines, and ensuring that those who seek to drain the
nation's wealth face the full weight of the law."
The operational tally is damning for criminal
networks. On February 27, a wooden boat laden with 45,000 litres of stolen
crude was intercepted near Cool Beach in Bonny LGA, Rivers State.
Simultaneously, troops destroyed refining sites in Abessa Forest in Ahoda
West LGA and Ozochi Community in Ahoda
EastLGA, dismantling drum ovens, pipelines, and cooling
systems. Further interceptions along the Omoku-Ahoada road and the
Akwete-Obuaya-Umore River in Abia State added thousands more litres to the
recovery count, bringing the total to approximately 50,970 litres. Seven
suspects were arrested, and assorted arms recovered, linking oil theft to
broader insecurity.
The Defence Headquarters wishes to address the
public regarding the necessity of these robust military interventions. Some
critics may question the militarization of oil theft, but the DHQ stands firm:
this is not merely an economic issue, but a national security imperative. The
proceeds from illegal bunkering often fund insurgency, organized crime, and
environmental degradation that threatens the very existence of host
communities. These operations are surgically targeted at criminal syndicates,
not legitimate citizens. The Armed Forces are duty-bound to protect the nation's
economic lifelines, and we will not apologize for taking decisive action to
stop the bleeding of our national resources.
Major General Onoja urged citizens to complicitly
stop patronizing illegal petroleum products, noting that every litre bought
from a roadside hacker funds the destruction of the environment and the
instability of the region. "We call on the public to be the eyes and ears
of Operation DELTA SAFE. Provide credible intelligence, and together we will
secure the Delta."
All suspects and recovered exhibits are currently in custody pending
thorough investigation and prosecution. Operation DELTA SAFE continues with
renewed vigor.