The operation, carried out in collaboration with other security agencies between August 11 and 24, also led to the destruction of nine illegal refining sites.

According to the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the crackdown recorded major breakthroughs in Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States.

In Delta State, soldiers intercepted two trucks conveying about 15,000 litres of illegally refined diesel in Sapele and arrested three suspects. Other recoveries included cellophane bags and drums filled with the same product in Warri North.

In Rivers State, troops dismantled refining sites in Degema and Okrika, confiscating thousands of litres of stolen products, wooden boats, pipes and drum pots. Arrests were also made in connection with the activities.

Similar operations in Bayelsa uncovered reservoirs containing about 7,000 litres of stolen crude in Yenagoa, while in Akwa Ibom, troops maintained a strong presence that prevented illegal refiners from operating.

The Army said all arrested suspects have been handed over to relevant authorities for prosecution, while seized products were destroyed in line with standard procedure.