The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced significant progress in its ongoing operations against criminal activities in the Niger Delta region, with Operation Delta Safe achieving notable successes in May 2025. According to the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, troops rescued 65 kidnapped victims, arrested 80 suspects, and deactivated 27 illegal refineries during the period. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to curb oil theft, kidnapping, and other illicit activities that have long plagued the region, undermining Nigeria’s economic stability and security.
Operation Delta Safe, a military task force established to combat militancy and economic sabotage in the Niger Delta, conducted multiple raids across the region’s creeks and waterways. The rescued victims, comprising men, women, and children, were freed from various militant camps where they had been held captive. The DHQ noted that these individuals were provided immediate medical attention and psychological support before being reunited with their families or handed over to relevant authorities for further care.
In addition to the rescues, the arrest of 80 suspects marks a significant blow to criminal networks operating in the region. Among those apprehended were individuals involved in oil theft, kidnapping, and arms trafficking, with some linked to high-profile criminal syndicates. The DHQ emphasized that these arrests were facilitated by intelligence-driven operations, with troops acting on credible tips from local communities and advanced surveillance techniques to track and apprehend the suspects.
The deactivation of 27 illegal refineries underscores the military’s focus on tackling oil bunkering, a major contributor to Nigeria’s revenue losses. These makeshift refineries, often hidden in remote areas of the Niger Delta, were used to process stolen crude oil for sale on the black market. Troops also destroyed several boats, storage facilities, and equipment used in these illegal operations, disrupting the supply chain of illicit petroleum products.
Beyond these headline achievements, Operation Delta Safe recovered substantial quantities of stolen oil and other resources during the operations. The DHQ reported the seizure of over 1.2 million liters of crude oil, 150,000 liters of illegally refined diesel, and other petroleum products. These recoveries are critical in reducing the economic impact of oil theft, which costs Nigeria billions of naira annually and affects global oil prices.
The military’s operations also extended to combating arms smuggling and other forms of criminality in the region. Troops intercepted illegal arms shipments and dismantled hideouts used by militants to store weapons and plan attacks. The DHQ highlighted the importance of community cooperation, noting that local residents provided vital information that led to several successful raids, fostering greater trust between the military and Niger Delta communities.
Maj. Gen. Buba reiterated the military’s commitment to sustaining these operations to ensure the Niger Delta remains safe for residents and legitimate economic activities. He stated that the DHQ is working to strengthen inter-agency collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies to enhance the effectiveness of anti-crime efforts. The military also plans to deploy additional resources, including drones and surveillance equipment, to monitor remote areas where illegal activities are prevalent.
The successes recorded in May 2025 build on previous efforts by Operation Delta Safe to restore order in the Niger Delta. Over the past year, the task force has intensified its operations, leading to hundreds of arrests and the destruction of numerous illegal refineries. These efforts have contributed to a gradual increase in Nigeria’s oil production, which had previously been hampered by widespread theft and sabotage.
Despite these achievements, challenges remain in addressing the root causes of criminality in the Niger Delta. Socioeconomic issues, such as unemployment and environmental degradation caused by oil exploration, continue to fuel unrest in the region. The DHQ acknowledged these challenges and called for sustained government investment in development programs to complement military efforts and provide long-term solutions to the region’s problems.
The public has been urged to continue supporting the military by providing timely information on suspicious activities. The DHQ assured citizens that all credible intelligence would be acted upon promptly to ensure the safety of lives and property. Operation Delta Safe remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s efforts to secure its oil-producing regions and protect its economic interests.