In a series of coordinated operations under Operation Delta Safe, the Nigerian Military has successfully foiled illegal activities and oil theft valued at over ₦168 million within one week.
The troops uncovered and destroyed 22 illegal refining sites, along with dozens of crude oil cooking ovens, storage tanks, and dugout pits, recovering 86,490 litres of stolen crude oil, 72,821 litres of illegally refined diesel, and 2,650 litres of petrol.
The operations also led to the arrest of suspected oil thieves 14 suspects in Rivers, Bayelsa, Imo, Delta, and Akwa Ibom States and the recovery of stolen crude and illegally refined petroleum products, marking a major victory in the fight against economic sabotage.
In a detailed report issued on Friday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Markus Kangye, disclosed that security personnel made strategic advances against insurgents and criminals in the Northeast, Northwest, North Central, South-South, and Southeast regions.
“They also dismantled an elaborate network of 72 crude oil cooking ovens, 41 dugout pits, 29 storage tanks, 22 illegal refining sites, and seized numerous tools and vehicles, including boats, speedboats, motorcycles, and tricycles. Eighteen individuals linked to oil theft were arrested, and assorted arms and ammunition were also recovered”.
“A truck loaded with natural gas was intercepted, and the suspects were handed over to the appropriate authorities.
“In the Northeast, troops under Operation HADIN KAI recorded multiple successes. as dozens of ISWAP and Boko Haram terrorists, including women and children, surrendered to Nigerian forces.
“The troops, operating alongside hybrid forces, carried out raids and clearance missions across Gwoza, Dikwa, Bama, Chibok, Gujba, Geidam, and Yunusari Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Borno and Yobe States”, he added.
These efforts, Markus Kangye said, were part of the Military’s unrelenting mission to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity and protect its citizens.
