The Armed Forces of Nigeria, through their Joint Task Force Operation DELTA SAFE and other operations in the South South region of the country, have made significant strides in combating criminal activities within the area. According to the Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Musa Danmadami, troops arrested nine oil thieves, deactivated 107 illegal oil refineries, and seized stolen products worth N277,357,800.00. Additionally, the troops destroyed 140 storage tanks, 58 reservoirs, 151 ovens, 68 dugout pits, and 22 wooden boats.
In one instance, troops on patrol in Igbematoro – Kolama waterways in Southern Ijaw local government area of Bayelsa State and Owa Aleru village in Ika North East local government area of Delta State responded to a kidnap incident and recovered one AK47 rifle, two magazines loaded with 60 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one locally made pistol, one cartridge, 70 rounds of 7.62mm special, five cutlasses, and four mobile phones, among other sundry items.
Furthermore, troops responded to an election disruption within Ogbakiri community in Emouha local government area of Rivers State and arrested 12 armed thugs, recovering four AK47 rifles, one FN rifle, four AK47 magazines, one pistol loaded with two rounds of 9mm ammunition, one pump-action gun, four cartridges, 16 rounds of 7.62mm special, and one hilux vehicle.
Overall, troops discovered and destroyed 107 illegal refining sites, 140 storage tanks, 58 reservoirs, 151 ovens, 68 dugout pits, and 22 wooden boats, and recovered 561,200 litres of crude oil, 119,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 1 fibre boat, 5 pumping machines, 2 outboard engines, 10 new geepee tanks, 1 tricycle, and 6 vehicles. The sum of N277,357,800.00 was also denied oil thieves in the region.
In addition to these successes, troops of Operation AWATSE in the South West region, in conjunction with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, arrested 14 suspected criminals and recovered 5kg cannabis, 7kg illicits drugs, 7 bottles of codeine, 6g of tramadol, 5g of methamphetamine, and the sum of N3,250.00. Troops on patrol to Yemetu area in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, Idanre – Ominifunfun village in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State, and Onini, Victoria Island in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State also arrested 7 armed thugs attempting to disrupt the electoral process, recovering 4 AK47 rifles, 3 Jack knives, one cartridge gun, 3 mobile phones, 1 cutlass, and 350 sachets of cannabis.
All recovered items and apprehended suspects have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action. These efforts by the Armed Forces of Nigeria serve as a significant step towards maintaining peace and security in the South South and South West regions of the country.