In an extensive operation in Southern Nigeria, troops from Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) have destroyed 38 illegal refining sites and arrested 29 suspected oil thieves, according to the Defence Headquarters. The Director of Defence Media Operation, Maj.-Gen. Musa Danmadami, stated that OPDS conducted raids, patrols, and anti-illegal oil refining operations at various locations in Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers States. The operation, code-named ‘Octopus Grip,’ was designed to deny Oil theft and other criminal elements freedom of action. During this operation, the troops discovered and destroyed illegal refining sites, 169 storage tanks, 152 ovens, and 19 dugout pits. They also confiscated 24 wooden boats, 551,500 litres of crude oil, 394,500 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 16 vehicles, four motorcycles, one tricycle, two pumping machines, one outboard engine, one generator, one speed boat, four weapons, and 132 assorted ammunitions. All recovered items and arrested suspects have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action. The oil thieves have been denied a sum of N448.3 million, states Brig-Gen Danmadami.
In addition to Operation Delta Safe, the South-East division of the Nigerian army is fighting the Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network and other criminal activities in the zone. They have sustained an offensive operation, which resulted in killing two terrorists, arresting seven suspected terrorists, and rescuing four kidnap victims over the past two weeks.
These successful operations by the Nigerian Army signal a significant crackdown on oil theft and illegal oil refining, which have been a major cause of environmental degradation in the country. The Defence Headquarters have reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the country’s oil and gas assets, as well as ensuring that the people living in the affected regions are further protected.
