DHQ: Troops arrested oil thieves, destroyed 15 illegal refining sites in two weeks

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says its troops have destroyed 50 illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta in the past two weeks.

In a statement on Thursday, Musa Danmadami, director of the defence media operations, said the troops also destroyed 22 wooden boats, 237 storage tanks, 204 ovens, and 30 dugout pits used for illegal oil bunkering.

He said the troops of Operation Delta Safe, in collaboration with Operation Octopus Grip and Operation UDO KA, conducted the mission in the creeks, towns, waterways, cities, and high seas of Bayelsa, Delta, Cross River, and Rivers states.

Danmadami said the troops recovered 797,000 litres of crude oil, 276,000 litres of automotive gas oil, 500 litres of dual-purpose kerosine, four pumping machines, 19 vehicles, six motorcycles, one tricycle, eight weapons, and a variety of ammunition.

The defence spokesperson added that the troops also retrieved an outboard engine, two generators and one speed boat, and also apprehended 26 suspected criminals during the period.

“All items recovered and arrested suspects from the region have been handed over to the relevant authority for further action,” he said.

“It is worth mentioning that the sum of N407.5 million were denied the oil thieves.”

Similarly, in the south-east, Danmadami said the troops had sustained the fight against criminality with the aim of restoring peace and stability in the zone.

He said they rescued 21 kidnapped victims; neutralised three members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN); and apprehended 12 others with a cache of arms and ammunition.

Arms recovered included two pistols, three pump action rifles, three pump action barrels, seven locally made guns, 14 locally made grenades, two K2 magazines, one AK47 magazine, 10 rounds of 7.62mm special, Danmadami added.

“I wish to once again convey the military high command’s commendations on the unrelenting efforts of troops and other security agencies in the various theatres of operations across the country,” he said.

“The media community is also acknowledged for their partnership and continued cooperation with the military and other security agencies in our quest to restore peace and security to our dear country.

“Also, the entire populace is hereby appreciated for the support given to members of armed forces and other security agencies in the conduct of our various operations.”