Emmanuel OchayiTroops deployed to the Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation Delta Safe, have successfully disrupted illegal refining site activities in the Niger Delta, according to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ).
In a span of one week, these operations denied oil thieves an estimated sum of ₦1,860,151,700.
According to Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, stated, “Our troops have intensified efforts to combat oil theft and illegal refining. We recovered 1,099,860 litres of stolen crude oil and 1,101,700 litres of illegally refined AGO (diesel), alongside 27,350 litres of DPK (kerosene) and 150 litres of PMS (petrol).”
During the operation, the troops uncovered and deactivated 105 illegal refining sites. They also arrested 55 individuals involved in oil theft and rescued 202 kidnapped hostages. “We are committed to maintaining the integrity of our resources and ensuring the safety of our citizens,” Buba added.
The operations in the Niger Delta led to the discovery and destruction of 51 dugout pits, 38 boats, and 51 storage tanks used by the oil thieves. Additionally, the troops seized 215 cooking ovens, two speedboats, 44 drums, three tugboats, three barges, four wheelbarrows, one outboard engine, 15 vehicles, three motorcycles, and six mobile phones from the criminals.
Maj. Gen. Buba highlighted that the operations are part of a broader strategy to combat terrorism and criminal activities across the country. “Our forces have been deployed to various operations including Hardin Kai, Hadarin Daji, and Safe Haven. In these operations, we neutralised 220 terrorists and apprehended 395 others,” he said.
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The troops also recovered a significant cache of weapons and ammunition, including three PKT guns, one G3 rifle, 83 AK-47 rifles, 18 locally fabricated guns, 16 dane guns, two pump-action guns, two double-barrel guns, two single-barrel guns, eight locally fabricated pistols, two revolver rifles, one hand grenade, 14 RPG bombs, one RPG launcher, two tear gas launchers, and 234 smoke grenades. Other items seized included 5,893 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2,064 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 401 rounds of 9mm ammo, 200 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm, 154 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm, 195 live cartridges, 17 magazines, three Baofeng radios, eight vehicles, 32 motorcycles, 59 mobile phones, and ₦813,550 in cash.
“Our operational strategy now includes prioritising the protection of farmers to ensure a successful rainy season farming,” Buba noted. He emphasised that the armed forces have increased intelligence collection efforts aimed at locating and striking terrorists in their hideouts.
Reaffirming the military’s commitment to defeating terrorism, Maj. Gen. Buba stated, “We will continue to employ significant firepower to neutralise terrorists and disrupt their activities across the country. Winning this war is non-negotiable.”
The DHQ’s operations reflect a robust approach to securing Nigeria’s resources and maintaining national security. The military’s continued vigilance and proactive measures are crucial in the fight against illegal activities and terrorism in the country.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
