Military Storms Niger Delta, Destroys 42 Illegal Refineries In A week

Military Storms Niger Delta, Destroys 42 Illegal Refineries In A week

Troops of Operation Delta Safe have uncovered and deactivated 42 illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta within the last week, according to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ).

This was revealed in Abuja on Thursday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, during a briefing on ongoing military operations across the country.

Kangye said the military sustained pressure on crude oil thieves and other criminal elements operating in the region.

During the operations, troops recovered 117,395 litres of stolen crude oil, 22,050 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, 6,000 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene and 8,060 litres of Premium Motor Spirit.

Troops also destroyed 102 crude oil cooking ovens, 94 dugout pits, 56 storage tanks, 164 drums, 18 boats, four speedboats, and various equipment including pumping machines, drilling machines, galvanised pipes, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones and nine vehicles.

“Furthermore, 42 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested while assorted arms and ammunition were also recovered,” Kangye said.

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He added that between April 10 and April 14, troops on offensive operations encountered criminals in Southern Ijaw and Aniocha South Local Government Areas of Bayelsa and Delta states respectively, leading to arrests and the recovery of weapons and large quantities of gas resources.

“Similarly, on April 11 and April 13, troops, acting on credible intelligence, arrested nine suspected vandals/kidnappers in Onelga and Ndoni local governments areas of Rivers as well as Uvwie, Warri South and Aniocha South local government areas of Delta.

“They also effected the arrest of five criminals in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River as well as Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa,” he said.

The DHQ reaffirmed the military’s commitment to combating oil theft and restoring security in the region.