The Defence Headquarters has reported that troops from Operation Delta Safe apprehended 49 individuals involved in oil theft and dismantled 22 illegal refining sites within the past week.
This was disclosed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, in a statement issued in Abuja.
According to Kangye, the troops successfully prevented oil theft amounting to approximately N869.2 million during the period under review.
He noted that the operation led to the recovery of 325,990 litres of stolen crude oil, 24,645 litres of illegally refined diesel, 19,500 litres of petrol, and 1,600 litres of engine oil.
Further operations uncovered and destroyed 86 crude oil cooking ovens, 181 dugout pits, 25 boats including a speedboat, 18 storage tanks, 316 drums, and various illegal refining facilities.
Items such as generators, jacks, galvanised pipes, pumping and drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones, and 18 vehicles were also seized during the raids.
Kangye emphasized that the military, working alongside other security agencies, continues to maintain a high level of courage, professionalism, and discipline in response to the country’s security challenges.
In various regions across Nigeria, including the North-East, North-West, North-Central, and South-South, troops have neutralized armed insurgents, rescued kidnapped victims, arrested suspects, and recovered weapons and ammunition.
Between April 3 and April 10, forces recovered a large haul of arms including machine guns, RPG launchers, automatic rifles, locally made firearms, and explosive devices.
Also, large quantities of 7.62mm and 9mm ammunition, along with live cartridges, were also confiscated as part of the ongoing efforts to secure the nation.