The Defence Headquarters has announced that the troops of Operation Delta Safe have taken down 51 illegal oil refining sites and successfully recovered stolen crude oil and refined products in the Niger Delta over the past week. This decisive action was revealed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, in a statement released on Friday in Abuja.

Maj.-Gen. Buba further disclosed that the troops also apprehended 58 perpetrators of oil theft, preventing an estimated sum of N668.7 million from falling into the wrong hands. In addition to this, the troops destroyed 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. Notably, the recovered items also include 267,700 litres of stolen crude oil, 567,700 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 5,000 litres of DPK.

Furthermore, the troops have maintained a robust momentum against oil theft, as evident from the arrests made in Bonny and Ikpoba Local Government Areas of Rivers and Edo States. They also apprehended suspected armed robbers and disrupted illegal bunkering activities in Oshimili South and Ukwa West of Delta and Abia States, respectively.

Moving to the South East, the report highlights the commendable efforts of the troops of Operation UDO KA. In recent operations, they arrested 15 suspected criminals and effectively repelled attacks by IPOB/ESN criminals in Anambra, Abia, and Imo States. Their proactive approach further led to successful raids, resulting in the rescue of kidnapped hostages in Ishielu and Igbo Eze North Local Government Areas of Ebonyi and Enugu States. Notably, they also neutralized three criminals, rescued five kidnapped hostages, and recovered 14 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo.

In the South West, the troops of Operation AWATSE stood gallantly as they foiled armed robbery attacks in Orelope and Olorunsogo Local Government Areas of Oyo State. Additionally, they arrested a gunrunner in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun, exhibiting their unwavering commitment to keeping the region secure. Their actions led to the rescue of 15 kidnapped hostages and the recovery of two vehicles.

The statement emphasized that all recovered items, arrested suspects, and rescued hostages have been handed over to the relevant authorities for further necessary action.

This bold and decisive action underscores the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian military to safeguarding lives and securing the nation’s resources. It serves as a testament to the dedication and effectiveness of Operation Delta Safe, Operation UDO KA, and Operation AWATSE in maintaining peace and security across the nation.

NAN