... Recoveres over 1,270,650 litres of stolen crude oil in South-South region
From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
Troops of Operation Delta Safe have apprehended 17 oil thefts and other violent extremists in the South-South region.
The troops also recovered over 1 270 650 litres of stolen crude oil 350, 700 litres of illegally refined AGO, 220 litres of DPK and 1,000 litres of PMB.
Briefing newsmen on Thursday in Abuja on the ongoing operational military activities across the country, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, said in August, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE maintained momentum against the activities of crude oil theft.
He said troops destroyed several illegal refining sites and recovered stolen products a.lso c, conducted offensive and counter/anti-kidnapping operations as well, and arrested suspected violent extremists in Mbo and Okobo LGAs of Akwa Ibom State as well as Sapele LGA of Delta States, especially.
Major General Edward, while explaining further on the activities of the military, said the troops also Destroy Illegal Refining Sites and recovered 1,270,650 litres of stolen crude oil, 350,700 litres of illegally refined AGO, 220 litres of DPK and 1,000 litres of PMS.
Additionally, he said, troops discovered and destroyed 24 dugout pits, 2 speedboats, 31 boats, 70 drums and 63 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 143 cooking ovens, 2 speedboats, 3 pumping mamachines16 vehicles and 119 illegal refining sites.
Counter/Anti Kidnapping/Criminality Ops.
“On 20 August 2024, troops on counter/anti-kidnapping operations responded to stress and made contact with kidnappers in Ovia South West and Ovia North East LGAs of Edo State. Following a firefight, troops neutralized 2 criminals, arrested 2 and rescued 3 kidnapped hostages
“Air Interdiction On 22 August 2024, the air component of Operation DELTA SAFE conducted an interdiction mission to Degema LGA of Rivers. The location was observed with illegal refining activities, and targets were acquired and attacked with bombs. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that over 3 illegal refining sites and several canoes were destroyed.
“Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 1,270,650 litres of stolen crude oil, 350,700 litres of illegally refined AGO, 220 litres of DPK and 1,000 litres of PMS.
“Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 24 dugout pits, 2 speedboats, 31 boats, 70 drums and 63 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 143 cooking ovens, 2 speedboats, 3 pumping mamachines12 vehicles and 119 illegal refining sites.
“Troops apprehended 17 suspected oil thefts and other violent extremists. Troops recovered 2 assorted arms and 31 assorted ammunitions,” he stated.