Troops serving under Operation DELTA SAFE recovered stolen crude oil and refined petroleum products valued at ₦8,918,647,206 during 2025, the Defence Headquarters in Abuja confirmed at an end-of-year briefing.
Nigeria oil theft recovery figures and operations
Major General Michael Onoja, Director Defence Media Operations, told journalists that the recovery included more than 16.6 million litres of stolen crude, 1,255,674 litres of illegally refined automotive gas oil, 407,734 litres of dual purpose kerosene and 1,508,823 litres of premium motor spirit. He said troops located and destroyed 503 illegal refining sites across the Niger Delta and arrested 778 oil thieves and other suspects.
The operation, which targets oil theft and bunkering that have long deprived the nation of revenue, also reported the seizure of equipment and materials used in illicit refining. Officials said the losses prevented by the recoveries will strengthen government efforts to protect legitimate revenues and stabilise supply chains in oil-producing states.
Security operations beyond the Delta
General Onoja said Operation UDO KA in the North East yielded significant results as well. Forces neutralised scores of terrorists, arrested 324 suspected criminals and rescued more than 64 kidnapping victims during operations aimed at degrading insurgent networks and restoring security for local communities.
In the South East, the Defence spokesperson identified the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its Eastern Security Network as the predominant security threats. He reported a marked reduction in crimes and violent activity following intensified military operations across the zone and recent legal actions against key figures linked to those groups. The general referenced the imprisonment of Simon Ekpa in Finland and court rulings involving Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in Abuja as developments that have weakened the groups’ operational capabilities.
Military sources emphasised that the campaign against oil theft is not solely a security operation but forms part of a broader effort to restore lawfulness in the energy sector, support local economies and deter smuggling networks. Officials said continued patrols, collaboration with naval and intelligence assets, and targeted raids will remain a priority into the new year.
Analysts welcomed the recoveries as a positive sign for revenue protection but warned that long-term progress will require coordinated action across agencies, improved surveillance of pipelines and stronger judicial follow-up to ensure arrested suspects face timely prosecution. Community engagement and alternative livelihood programmes for areas dependent on illicit refining were also cited as necessary to sustain gains.
The Defence Headquarters released photographs and operational statistics as part of the briefing. The spokesperson said the military will publish further updates on prosecutions and asset forfeiture as cases proceed through the courts.
As Nigeria seeks to consolidate security gains in the Niger Delta and the North East, the authorities say continued enforcement and legal measures are essential to curbing revenue loss and protecting citizens from criminal networks that profit from oil theft and kidnapping.
Key Takeaways:
- Nigeria troops seized stolen crude and refined products worth ₦8,918,647,206 in 2025 under Operation DELTA SAFE, highlighting improved energy-sector enforcement and revenue protection.
- Forces destroyed 503 illegal refining sites and arrested 778 suspects, while Operation UDO KA in the North East neutralised terrorists and rescued more than 64 kidnapping victims.
- Security pressure on the South East rose after court rulings against IPOB-related leaders, contributing to reduced criminal activity.
