The Nigerian military has reported a sustained crackdown on illegal oil activities in the Niger Delta as part of Operation Delta Safe. In a detailed update distributed through national channels, authorities confirmed the destruction of 61 illegal oil refineries during intensified patrols, raids, and security operations aimed at dismantling a covert network that has long polluted waterways and compromised regional stability. The operation reflects ongoing efforts by security forces to curb illicit petroleum production and to restore lawful control over valuable coastal resources that support livelihoods across several communities.
Senior officials from the Nigerian Ministry of Defense, including the director of media relations, have reiterated that the mission extends beyond refinery sites. The security deployment continues to pursue oil theft, illicit storage facilities, and other criminal schemes that exploit the Niger Delta’s complex geography. The approach combines proactive patrols, targeted raids, and demining activities designed to reduce risk for local residents and to deter future criminal actions that threaten energy security and environmental health.
In addition to shuttering refineries, military units confirmed the destruction of a substantial number of auxiliary facilities used in the illicit oil trade. The operation led to the elimination of 289 fuel storage tanks and 167 improvised stoves, along with 19 earthen pits and 13 wooden boats that had been repurposed to support illegal refining and transport operations. The seizures included significant quantities of motor gasoline and crude oil, with 250,500 liters of AGO, 75,000 liters of crude oil, and 2,000 liters of motor oil recovered by troops. These figures highlight the scale of the clandestine economy that the security forces are targeting and the urgency of safeguarding both environmental health and public safety in the region.
The raids also yielded a cache of weapons and equipment, underscoring the potential danger posed by criminal networks operating in the delta. Security forces recovered nearly 20 small arms, 359 rounds of ammunition, 10 vehicles, two boats, two pump units, and two outboard motors. In total, 142 individuals suspected of involvement in illegal refinery activities were apprehended during these operations, reflecting a significant disruption to the illicit value chain and demonstrating the authorities’ commitment to enforcing the law in what remains a volatile and sensitive region.
Beyond the security domain, the broader electoral context has underscored the importance of credible information. In the run-up to important governmental events, misinformation has circulated across multiple platforms, including messaging apps and social networks. Reports indicate that fake information has particularly targeted topics related to religion and ethnicity, spreading through popular channels such as WhatsApp and TikTok. The publisher notes that this disinformation is part of a broader pattern seen in recent elections, where actors appear to seek to manipulate public opinion through carefully crafted messages and selective framing of issues.
Observers from monitoring organizations have warned that disinformation campaigns can mislead voters, foster political apathy, and potentially contribute to unrest before, during, and after elections. Analysts point out that misinformation can distort public understanding of the choices at stake, complicating the decision-making process for ordinary citizens and raising concerns about how information is consumed and trusted during a politically charged period. The situation calls for vigilance, media literacy, and responsible reporting to ensure the public remains accurately informed and engaged with the electoral process.