Nigeria Military Forces Dismantle 53 Illicit Fuel Depots, Capture 81 Suspects in January Crackdown. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has revealed that troops deployed under Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) have taken down 53 unauthorized oil refineries and detained 81 individuals involved in oil theft and other illicit activities.

 Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed this during a press conference in Abuja, stating that troops also seized various firearms and ammunition, and destroyed a large barge engaged in fuel siphoning. According to Onoja, the military foiled the theft of substantial quantities of crude oil and refined products, including 210,300 litres of crude, 66,725 litres of diesel, 660 litres of kerosene, and 5,000 litres of petrol. 

In the South East, he reported a significant decrease in crime rates, crediting Operation Udo Ka with neutralizing terrorists, arresting 22 suspects, and freeing 11 kidnap victims in January. The DHQ also noted the surrender of 80 militants and the rescue of eight Cameroonian nationals during cross-border operations. The Armed Forces vowed to remain vigilant and responsive to emerging security threats, seeking sustained cooperation from citizens to achieve lasting peace.