Troops of Operation Delta Safe have intensified efforts against crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, shutting down 56 illegal refining sites within a week.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja while providing an update on ongoing military operations in the region.
According to Kangye, troops also seized 675,266 litres of stolen crude oil, 312,593 litres of illegally refined diesel, and 4,500 litres of DPK within the same period.
In addition, security forces uncovered and destroyed 51 crude oil cooking ovens, 49 dugout pits, 43 boats, 28 storage tanks, and 131 drums.
Other recovered items included four pumping machines, four tricycles, three motorcycles, seven mobile phones, and eight vehicles.
“Additionally, 31 suspected oil thieves and criminals were arrested, while security forces also recovered 103 assorted arms and ammunition, along with three extra magazines,” Kangye stated.
Between March 5 and March 10, troops apprehended 11 suspects and rescued four kidnapped victims across various locations, including Bakassi and Onelga local government areas in Cross River and Rivers States, as well as Warri South, Sapele, Uvwie, and Ughelli in Delta State.
The air component of the operation also conducted reconnaissance and patrol missions over strategic locations such as Imo River, Owaza, Ohaji/Egbema, and Abacheke, along with Nembe, Okpokiri, Tomkiri, Brass, and Belema. These aerial operations played a crucial role in identifying and destroying illegal refining sites, boats, vehicles, and other equipment used in crude oil theft.
The Nigerian military remains committed to curbing illegal oil activities and ensuring stability in the Niger Delta region.