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In a relentless crackdown on illicit activities in the Niger Delta, troops of Operation Delta Safe have eradicated 51 illegal oil refining sites and seized stolen crude oil and refined products over the past week. Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, revealed this in a statement released on Friday in Abuja.

The campaign against oil theft yielded substantial results, with the apprehension of 58 perpetrators and a staggering estimated sum of N668.7 million denied to the criminal elements.

Among the arsenal of destruction, the troops obliterated seven dugout pits, 25 boats, 47 storage tanks, five vehicles, 141 cooking ovens, one pumping machine, one outboard engine, one tricycle, one speedboat, and one tugboat. The spoils of this operation included the recovery of 267,700 litres of stolen crude oil, 567,700 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 5,000 litres of DPK.

Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba commented, “Troops have maintained momentum against oil theft and arrested persons involved in oil theft in Bonny and Ikpoba Local Government Areas of Rivers and Edo States respectively. Troops also arrested suspected armed robbers and foiled illegal bunkering activities in Oshimili South and Ukwa West of Delta and Abia States respectively.”

Venturing into the South East, Operation UDO KA witnessed the apprehension of 15 suspected criminals and the thwarting of attacks by IPOB/ESN criminals in Anambra, Abia, and Imo States. The troops conducted daring raids, rescuing kidnapped hostages in Ishielu and Igbo Eze North Local Government Areas of Ebonyi and Enugu States. The valorous efforts culminated in the neutralization of three criminals, the rescue of five kidnapped hostages, and the recovery of 14 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo.

Meanwhile, in the South West, Operation AWATSE blunted armed robbery attempts in Orelope and Olorunsogo Local Government Areas of Oyo State and apprehended a gunrunner in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State. The prompt actions of the troops resulted in the rescue of 15 kidnapped hostages and the recovery of two vehicles.

Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba affirmed, “All recovered items, arrested suspects, and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authorities for further action.”

The Defence Headquarters’ fervent commitment to suppressing illicit activities showcases a resolute stance in upholding law and order, ensuring the safety and security of the region.