Nigerian troops have intensified their crackdown on illegal oil refining activities in the Niger Delta region, achieving significant success in dismantling illicit operations and recovering stolen resources. According to the Defence Headquarters, the ongoing Operation Delta Safe led to the destruction of 51 illegal refining sites and the reclamation of stolen crude oil and refined products over the past week.
Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, revealed that the relentless efforts of the troops resulted in the apprehension of 58 individuals involved in oil theft, depriving them of an estimated sum of N668.7 million. The operations also led to the destruction of seven dugout pits, 25 boats, 47 storage tanks, five vehicles, 141 cooking ovens, and the seizure of various equipment used in these illicit activities, including a pumping machine, an outboard engine, a tricycle, a speedboat, and a tugboat.
A total of 267,700 litres of stolen crude oil, 567,700 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 5,000 litres of DPK were recovered by the troops during the operations.
Maj.-Gen. Buba affirmed the troops’ unwavering commitment to combatting oil theft, highlighting successful arrests and disruptions of criminal activities in different regions. Notably, the troops made significant strides in Bonny and Ikpoba Local Government Areas of Rivers and Edo States, where arrests related to oil theft were made. Additionally, operations in Oshimili South and Ukwa West of Delta and Abia States led to the arrest of suspected armed robbers and the thwarting of illegal bunkering activities.
In the South East, under Operation UDO KA, 15 suspected criminals were apprehended, and attacks by IPOB/ESN criminals in Anambra, Abia, and Imo States were successfully repelled. The troops conducted decisive raids, resulting in the rescue of kidnapped hostages in Ishielu and Igbo Eze North Local Government Areas of Ebonyi and Enugu States, respectively. Furthermore, three criminals were neutralized while five kidnapped hostages were rescued, and 14 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo were recovered.
Turning to the South West, troops of Operation AWATSE thwarted armed robbery attacks in Orelope and Olorunsogo Local Government Areas of Oyo State and apprehended a gunrunner in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun. The operations also led to the successful rescue of 15 kidnapped hostages and the recovery of two vehicles.
Maj.-Gen. Buba emphasized that all seized items, arrested suspects, and rescued hostages have been handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation and action.
The determined efforts of Nigerian troops, as highlighted by these recent successes, demonstrate their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s resources and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.
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