SECURITY
Oil Theft: Military Troops Destroy 16 Illegal Refining Sites, Apprehend 25 Others in N/Delta
Oil Theft: Military Troops Destroy 16 Illegal Refining Sites, Apprehend 25 Others in N/Delta
The troops of Operation Delta Safe have destroyed 16 illegal refining site, and arrested 25 crude oil thieves to intensify efforts against crude oil theft and illegal activities in the Niger Delta region.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed this on Thursday during a biweekly press briefing, saying troops also recovered 10 weapons and 269 assorted ammunition.
“In their latest operations, troops destroyed numerous illegal refining sites and recovered significant amounts of stolen products. Over 565,200 litres of stolen crude oil, 22,500 litres of illegally refined AGO, 1,050 litres of DPK, and 8,000 litres of PMS were seized”, Buba said.
Maj. Gen. Buba also said that troops dismantled 6 dugout pits, 33 boats, and 18 storage tanks used for illegal activities. Further discoveries included 25 cooking ovens, 3 vehicles, and 16 illegal refining sites.
“During separate offensive operations in various local government areas (LGAs) across Bayelsa, Cross River, and Delta States, troops arrested 7 suspects and rescued a kidnapped hostage.
“The operations also led to the recovery of 2 Dane guns, one fabricated pistol, 69 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, and 200 cartridges hidden under a demolished building”, Buba added.
In another development, Gen Buba said the troops of Operation UDO KA also recorded significant achievements during the review period adding that troops arrested suspected violent extremists, and kidnappers and raided IPOB/ESN camps in Anambra and Ebonyi States.
According to him, the operation was conducted in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigerian Police and led to the arrest of one suspect and the recovery of various weapons and military accoutrements in Imo and Ebonyi States.
He noted that the operations underscore the continued commitment of the Nigerian military to maintain security and combat criminal activities in the region.
