Military Recovers ₦3.5 Billion Worth of Stolen Crude, Dismantles 174 Illegal Refineries in Niger Delta

Military Recovers ₦3.5 Billion Worth of Stolen Crude, Dismantles 174 Illegal Refineries in Niger Delta

Troops of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) have recovered stolen crude oil and petroleum products valued at over ₦3.5 billion in the Niger Delta over the past three months, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has revealed.

The ongoing military operation, designed to combat oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and piracy, also led to the destruction of 174 illegal refining sites and the confiscation of 45 vehicles used by oil vandals.

Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.

He said the troops seized 2,381,239 litres of stolen crude oil, 605,393 litres of illegally refined diesel (AGO), 41,465 litres of kerosene (DPK) and 26,905 litres of petrol (PMS).

In addition to the massive haul, 12 suspects were arrested and troops recovered a cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives during various operations.

“15 victims abandoned by suspected militia/pirates were rescued by troops during an offensive operation in Oron Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State on June 28,” Maj.-Gen Kangye said.

“Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 52 crude oil cooking ovens, 21 dugout pits, 11 boats, 36 storage tanks, 36 drums and 25 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include, pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones and six vehicles,” he added.

Updating reporters on the broader military campaign against terrorists and bandits in the last quarter, Kangye stated that several high-profile terrorist leaders and their fighters were neutralized. Over 1,191 suspects were arrested, while 543 kidnapped victims were rescued.

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“During the quarter, about 682 terrorists and their families surrendered to troops,” he said.

Among the terrorists neutralized were notorious figures including Amir Abu Fatimah, kingpin Auta, Abdul Jamilu, Salisu, Mallam Jidda, Maiwada, Mai Dada, and Nwachi Eze, a commander of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (ESN), also known as Onowu.

“Two days ago, bandit kingpin Yellow Danbokkolo succumbed to injuries sustained during an encounter with troops.

“Additionally, some notorious gunrunners and kidnappers on the troops’ watch list, including Buhari Umar, Hassam Mohammed, Saleh Sani, Adamu Dan Mai, Idi Yusuf, Hassan Bello, Muhammed Isah, Shimu Ilu Adamu, Ismaila Ilu Hassan, Michael and Shittu Muazu Bakassi, were arrested,” he said.