In a successful operation against oil theft, illegal refineries, and other criminal activities in the South-South region, troops deployed for Operations DELTA SAFE have arrested 65 oil thieves and confiscated a staggering 186,000 litres of crude oil. This significant achievement marks a significant blow to the illicit activities plaguing the region.
During the biweekly update on the Armed Forces of Nigeria operations spanning from May 18 to June 1, 2023, Major General Musa Danmadami, the director of Defence Media Operations, revealed that the troops also recovered stolen products worth N604,401,127.00. Alongside the crude oil, they seized 42,750 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 4,500 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, 200 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene, and a plethora of equipment utilized in these illegal activities.
The seized items included 250 storage tanks, 220 ovens, 32 dugout pits, and 31 wooden boats. Additionally, the troops uncovered a range of tools and accessories used in oil theft operations, such as gas welding cylinders, gas burners, adjustable spanners, and pumping machines. The operation further resulted in the recovery of four outboard engines, 300 ammunitions, 15 AK47 magazines, and a significant number of mobile phones.
Among the discoveries made during the operation were substances suspected to be illegal drugs. The troops seized 100 wraps of suspected cannabis sativa, three and four pinches of substances believed to be heroin and cocaine, and 177 pinches of amphetamines. Furthermore, a sum of N17,300.00 was found in the possession of the criminals.
In a related development, the air component of Operation DELTA SAFE carried out an air interdiction operation at Krakrama on May 18, 2023. The location, known for its illegal refining activities, was targeted in the strike, resulting in the destruction of numerous illegal refined products and equipment.
In the South West, troops of Operation Awatse apprehended 26 criminals and successfully recovered a locally made pistol, three cartridges, 280gm of tramadol, and two bottles of codeine. Meanwhile, in the South East, troops of Operation Udo Ka neutralized five terrorists and arrested nine suspected terrorists. The operations in these regions also led to the recovery of six motorcycles, five mobile phones, one vehicle, and substantial quantities of substances suspected to be hard drugs.
All the recovered items and apprehended suspects have been handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation and necessary actions.