…as CDS commends media’s balanced reportage on military operations

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said on Saturday that ongoing military operations against economic sabotage in the South-South general area resulted in the seizure of 251,300 litres of stolen crude oil and other illegally refined products between 31 July and 6 August.

This is as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, commended the media for continued professionalism and balanced reportage of military operations.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, who disclosed this while providing an update on ongoing counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations across theatres, appealed for continued public support and collaboration through the provision of useful information to troops, to enhance the nation’s security architecture.

General Onoja reaffirmed the resolve of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to a safer, more secure country, assuring of an unyielding aggressive posturing by fighting forces.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) recorded steady progress across all operational theatres nationwide in the sustained campaign against terrorism, kidnapping, oil theft and other forms of criminality threatening the peace and security of our great nation, Nigeria between 31 July – 6 August 2026”, he stated.

Highlighting the gains recorded by troops of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), the operation’s spokesperson said, “In the South South geopolitical zone, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE sustained operations against kidnapping and crude oil theft.

“On 30 July 2026, troops responded to a kidnap incident along the Lagos-Benin Road in Ovia North East LGA of Edo State, pursuing the perpetrators and rescuing 11 victims unhurt, who were subsequently reassured before being encouraged to continue their journey.

“In a sustained maritime offensive under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, troops dismantled three reactivated illegal refining sites in the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Axis of Rivers State between 1 – 2 August 2026.

“An approximated 61,000 litres of stolen petroleum products, comprising 43,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 18,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, concealed within 12 dugout pits and reservoirs, were discovered at the site and handled.

“On 5 August 2026, troops discovered 85,300 litres of crude oil products in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Axis of Rivers State.

“Furthermore, on 6 August 2026, OPDS troops conducted an offensive operation to Oteghele Axis of Delta State, where 105,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil products were discovered and handled in accordance with the OPDS Mandate”.

Meanwhile, the CDS has extended his profound appreciation to troops across all theatres of operation for their discipline and commitment to the defence of the nation.

He also commended the sustained collaboration between the Armed Forces and other security agencies, including the local security groups and other stakeholders, which has continued to yield positive results in the ongoing campaign against terrorism, kidnapping and other forms of criminality.

The CDS further saluted the media for their continued professionalism and balanced reportage of military operations, urging members of the public to continue providing useful information to troops to enhance the security architecture nationwide.

In conclusion, the four-star General assured the citizenry of the AFN’s resolve to sustain the current tempo of operations until peace and stability are fully restored across all theatres.

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