Troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces have thwarted crude oil theft worth over ₦98.7 million and captured a notorious commander of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), identified as “Gentle,” in a series of coordinated operations across the country.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, disclosed this during the weekly briefing on military operations across all theatres for the period ending October 16, 2025.
According to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), troops of Operation Delta Safe dismantled several illegal refining sites in Delta and Rivers States, seizing approximately 92,500 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,575 litres of diesel, 660 litres of kerosene, and 5,000 litres of petrol. The raids also led to the destruction of 11 crude oil cooking ovens, seven dugout pits, 14 storage tanks, nine boats, and seven illegal refineries. Thirteen suspects were apprehended, and arms, ammunition, and vehicles were recovered.
Subsequent operations conducted between October 9 and 12 in Delta’s Ethiope East, Ughelli South, Ndokwa, Okpe, and Warri LGAs, as well as Ahoada East and Toru LGAs in Rivers State, led to the arrest of nine additional suspects and the recovery of more weapons and vehicles. The DHQ said the operations demonstrate the military’s determination to safeguard national economic assets and dismantle oil theft networks draining the country’s revenue.
Beyond the Niger Delta, the military also reported significant successes in counterterrorism and anti-banditry efforts across other regions. In the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai sustained offensives against Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States. Between October 8 and 16, coordinated air and ground strikes in Konduga, Magumeri, Gubio, Nganzai, Monguno, Kaga, and Mobbar LGAs neutralized dozens of insurgents. Sixteen informants and logistics suppliers were arrested, seven kidnapped victims were rescued, and ₦5.14 million in cash alongside weapons and vehicles were recovered.
In the North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops neutralized several terrorists, arrested 14 others, and rescued six kidnapped victims during raids in Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Niger States. The troops also intercepted a gunrunner and two members of a drug cartel, recovering 1,307 rounds of live ammunition, narcotics, motorcycles, mobile phones, and ₦227,000 cash.
Similarly, troops of Operation Enduring Peace operating in Plateau and Kaduna States foiled multiple attacks and responded to distress calls in Riyom, Jos South, Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Mangu, and Jema’a LGAs, killing several extremists and arresting 11 others. Four suspects earlier arraigned for conspiracy and theft in Jos South were convicted and sentenced to one year imprisonment each.
In the North Central and Middle Belt axis, troops under Operation Whirl Stroke operating in Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, and the FCT eliminated several armed criminals, arrested 12 others, and rescued 17 kidnapped victims. Arms, ammunition, vehicles, and livestock were recovered.
Meanwhile, in the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA apprehended a wanted IPOB/ESN commander codenamed “Gentle” along with eight of his associates during operations in Imo and Ebonyi States. A female logistics supplier was also arrested in Abia State alongside three children identified as those of a wanted ESN leader, Maduabuchi Nwankwo (alias Emergency). Several weapons, ammunition, and a vehicle were seized.
The DHQ lauded the professionalism and gallantry of troops across all theatres, emphasizing that their collective efforts continue to yield tangible progress in restoring peace and stability nationwide. It also honoured the memory of soldiers who paid the ultimate price defending the nation, assuring Nigerians of the military’s unwavering commitment to protecting the country’s territorial integrity.
“Our recent operational successes—whether in counterterrorism, anti-banditry, maritime security, or internal operations—reflect not just battlefield victories, but our collective resolve to secure every inch of Nigeria,” the statement read.
The DHQ urged continuous public support and intelligence sharing to consolidate on recent gains, stressing that national unity and vigilance remain key to achieving lasting peace and security across the country.
