In a major victory against oil theft, the Nigerian military has successfully deactivated 53 illegal refining sites, recovered stolen petroleum products, and apprehended 19 suspected oil thieves in the span of just one week. The Defence Media Operations Director, Major General Edward Buba, made this announcement during a recent press briefing in Abuja, where he discussed the ongoing operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria throughout the country.
Crackdown on Crude Oil Theft
Major General Buba highlighted the sustained efforts of troops to combat crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region. During their operations, the troops discovered and destroyed 54 dugout pits, 66 boats, 138 storage tanks, 253 cooking ovens, two pumping machines, eight speedboats, 17 hoses, 18 drums, and two cylinders. In addition, they managed to recover 983,350 litres of stolen crude oil, 144,980 litres of illegally refined AGO (Automotive Gas Oil), and 71,650 litres of DPK (Dual Purpose Kerosene).
The troops also achieved other significant milestones during their operations. They neutralized one criminal, rescued three hostages, and seized one fabricated rifle, 18 vehicles, and a torchlight.
Crushing the IPOB/ESN Menace
Operation UDO KA, conducted by troops in the Southeast, resulted in the arrest of suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) in Ikwo and Okigwe local government areas of Ebonyi and Imo states. The troops successfully neutralized five terrorists, arrested 12 suspected criminals, and rescued seven kidnapped hostages. The operation also led to the recovery of two locally-made guns, four rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammunition, one FN rifle barrel, IED materials, 10 water gel explosives, three detonators, and one detonating cord.
All recovered items, arrested suspects, and rescued hostages have been handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation and action.
Dismantling Criminal Havens
Major General Buba emphasized that the military has identified and neutralized several havens used by criminals across various theatres of operation, including national parks, game reserves, and forests. One such hideout in the Southeast was recently discovered and invaded by troops, revealing the unimaginable activities taking place within. These extremists have been engaged in barbaric acts, including cannibalism and other forms of heinous crimes.
The military remains committed to dismantling these criminal networks and ensuring the safety and security of the Nigerian people.
