Troops recover 21,910 litres of stolen petroleum products as anti-crude theft operations intensify
The Armed Forces of Nigeria intensified its campaign against oil theft and economic sabotage in May, destroying illegal refining sites, dismantling crude oil theft networks and recovering 21,910 litres of stolen petroleum products across the Niger Delta.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria intensified its campaign against oil theft and economic sabotage in May, destroying illegal refining sites, dismantling crude oil theft networks and recovering 21,910 litres of stolen petroleum products across the Niger Delta.
The troops also neutralised 317 terrorists and criminals nationwide.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) disclosed that troops of Operation Delta Safe sustained aggressive operations across Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Delta, Edo and Cross River states, targeting oil thieves, illegal refiners, kidnappers and other criminal elements threatening Nigeria’s petroleum infrastructure.
Michael Onoja, the director of defence media operations, who presented the military’s monthly operational briefing, said 14 suspects were arrested in the South-South theatre, three illegal refining sites were destroyed and large quantities of stolen crude oil and refined products were recovered.
According to him, one of the most significant operations occurred on May 21 in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, where troops intercepted a sophisticated oil theft syndicate operating nearbthe Eleme Petrochemical complex.
The operation led to the interception of a convoy comprising two Toyota Sienna vehicles, two minibuses, a Mitsubishi bus and a Toyota Camry, all specially modified with concealed compartments used for transporting stolen Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
“Several suspects, including security personnel allegedly aiding the illegal operation, were arrested and handed over for further investigation,” Onoja said.
“The operation underscores the Armed Forces’ determination to protect Nigeria’s strategic hydrocarbon assets from organised criminal exploitation.”
Earlier on May 13, troops deployed in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State uncovered approximately 600 metres of galvanised pipes functioning as an illegal crude oil transportation line.
On the same day, soldiers operating in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area discovered 130 sacks containing an estimated 7,800 litres of stolen crude oil.
In Akwa Ibom State, troops intercepted about 1,500 litres of stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) at an illegal depot in Ikot Abasi and returned the product to its rightful owner.
The military also dismantled a reactivated illegal refining site in the Amukpe area of Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State, recovering approximately 3,000 litres of illegally siphoned crude oil.
Onoja also disclosed that troops recorded major successes against kidnappers and criminal gangs operating across the Niger Delta.
In Edo State, troops rescued multiple kidnapping victims during separate operations in Owan East, Esan South-East and Esan North-East local government areas.
He noted that a joint operation involving the military, police, local vigilantes and hunters on May 5 led to the arrest of nine suspected kidnappers in Esan South-East Local Government Area.
“The operation was followed by extensive forest clearance missions across Uwarlor Oke Forest, Udo Government Reserve Forest and Emu Forest, resulting in further arrests and the recovery of weapons and motorcycles.
While highlighting the successes against oil thieves, the Defence Headquarters said military operations across all theatres of operation resulted in the neutralisation of 317 terrorists and criminal elements during the month.
The military also arrested 314 suspects, rescued 221 kidnapped civilians and secured the surrender of 18 terrorists.
In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai sustained pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, neutralising 73 insurgents, arresting 159 suspects and rescuing 112 civilians.
He stated that one of the most notable achievements was the rescue of 92 kidnapped commuters along the Buratai-Kamuya Road in Borno State after troops intercepted a mass abduction and forced the terrorists to abandon their captives.
“In the North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma eliminated 24 terrorists, arrested 13 suspects and rescued 22 victims during operations across Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara states”, Onoja added.
The military also announced the arrest of a major gunrunner allegedly supplying weapons to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji and other terrorist groups.
Across the North-Central region, troops dismantled an illegal arms manufacturing factory in Vom, Plateau State, where nine fabricated AK-47 rifles and other weapons-making equipment were recovered.
“A separate operation in Lugbe, Abuja, led to the arrest of 61 suspected criminals and the recovery of firearms, motorcycles and communication equipment.
“In the South-East, troops of Operation Udo Ka arrested 60 suspects, rescued 18 civilians and disrupted activities linked to the proscribed IPOB and ESN groups”, Onoja reported.
The Defence Headquarters described the month’s operational outcomes as evidence of the Armed Forces’ growing capability to confront diverse security threats, ranging from terrorism and banditry to oil theft and organised crime.
Overall, troops recovered 93 weapons, destroyed three illegal refining sites and significantly disrupted criminal supply chains across the country.
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The military leadership also commended personnel serving across various theatres of operation and urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with timely intelligence to sustain ongoing successes against criminal elements.
