Nigerian troops have uncovered stolen crude oil worth ₦798 million and dismantled an extensive network of illegal refining operations in the Niger Delta region.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, made this disclosure in a statement on Monday, according to a report by Energy Focus.
Buba said the operation resulted in the destruction of 68 crude oil cooking ovens, 13 dugout pits, 41 boats, and 45 storage tanks.
He added that the troops also seized various items, including four speedboats, one pumping machine, 150 drums, one generator, two motorcycles, two mobile phones, a drone, and five vehicles.
“Troops in the Niger Delta have dismantled 66 illegal refining sites and disrupted a complex network of oil theft operations. Additionally, security forces recovered 657,470 litres of stolen crude oil, 127,870 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and 5,000 litres of Dual-Purpose Kerosene (DPK),” Buba said.
Crackdown on Criminal Activities
Speaking further, he said the military’s crackdown in the region also neutralized 148 criminals and led to the arrest of 258 suspects, including 51 individuals implicated in oil theft.
Additionally, troops rescued 291 kidnapped hostages.
Highlighting the scale of the operation, Buba said:
“Troops recovered 146 assorted weapons and 2,599 rounds of ammunition. The cache included 72 AK-47 rifles, 33 fabricated rifles, 28 Dane guns, two locally made submachine guns, and a range of other weaponry. Ammunition recovered included 1,596 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and 636 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.”
The seized items also included 36 motorcycles, 40 mobile phones, three vehicles, and ₦1.8 million in cash.
Buba further disclosed that the fight against terrorism made significant progress in the North Central region, where troops intercepted two suspected gunrunners in Bauchi State’s Alkaleri Local Government Area.
The suspects, identified as Danweri and Abubakar Hamza, are believed to be collaborating with terrorist groups. “The suspects are currently cooperating with military investigations,” Buba added.
The military emphasized its unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks and their support systems across Nigeria. Ongoing operations are steadily turning the tide against criminal activities, with troops maintaining a strong position in the fight against terror.
“The military remains resolute in ensuring Nigeria’s safety and stability.
“We are targeting both criminal networks and the support systems enabling their activities,” he said.
