Nigerian troops have dealt a major blow to oil theft and illegal refining operations in the Niger Delta, with the destruction of 51 illegal refining sites and the recovery of stolen crude oil and refined products. This significant achievement was disclosed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, in a statement released from the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
In the course of their operations, the troops of Operation Delta Safe apprehended 58 perpetrators of oil theft and intercepted an estimated sum of N668.7 million that would have been accrued from these illegal activities. The scope of their impact also extended to the destruction of 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 recovered quantities paint a stark picture of the scale of the illicit activities: 267,700 litres of stolen crude oil, 567,700 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 5,000 litres of DPK. The relentless efforts of the troops further led to the apprehension of individuals involved in oil theft in Bonny and Ikpoba Local Government Areas of Rivers and Edo States. Additionally, the troops successfully thwarted suspected armed robbers and illegal bunkering activities in Oshimili South and Ukwa West of Delta and Abia States, respectively.
Meanwhile, in the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA made significant strides in law enforcement efforts. They apprehended 15 suspected criminals and repelled attacks by IPOB/ESN criminals in Anambra, Abia, and Imo States. Additionally, successful raids were conducted, leading to the rescue of kidnapped hostages in Ishielu and Igbo Eze North Local Government Areas of Ebonyi and Enugu States, culminating in the neutralization of three criminals and the recovery of 14 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo.
Turning attention to the South West, troops of Operation AWATSE demonstrated their prowess by foiling armed robbery attacks in Orelope and Olorunsogo Local Government Areas of Oyo State and apprehending a gunrunner in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun. Their efforts resulted in the rescue of 15 kidnapped hostages and the recovery of two vehicles.
The successful operations culminated in the handover of all recovered items, arrested suspects, and rescued hostages to the relevant authorities for further necessary actions.
This comprehensive display of resolve and execution against criminal activities underscores the commitment of the Nigerian military to safeguarding lives and property and maintaining law and order across the nation.
