Troops of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) have recovered crude oil and petroleum products worth over N3.5 billion from oil thieves in the Niger Delta region within the last three months.
The Defence Headquarters disclosed that the military destroyed 174 illegal refining sites and seized 45 vehicles used by vandals during their operations to curb oil theft, piracy, and pipeline vandalism.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen Markus Kangye, said troops recovered 2,381,239 litres of stolen crude oil, 605,393 litres of illegally refined diesel (AGO), 41,465 litres of kerosene (DPK), and 26,905 litres of petrol (PMS).
No fewer than 12 suspects were arrested, while various arms, ammunition, and explosives were also recovered from criminals.
Kangye added that troops rescued 15 victims abandoned by suspected pirates during an operation in Oron LGA of Akwa Ibom State on June 28.
He further stated that troops destroyed 52 crude oil cooking ovens, 21 dugout pits, 11 boats, 36 storage tanks, 36 drums, and 25 illegal refining sites. Other recovered items include pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones, and six vehicles.
Military Eliminates Terrorists, Rescues Kidnap Victims
The military also revealed its successes against terrorists and bandits in the past three months, stating that troops killed several terrorists’ kingpins, arrested over 1,191 suspects, and rescued 543 kidnap victims.
“About 682 terrorists and their families surrendered to troops within the quarter,” Kangye said.
Those eliminated include notorious terrorists Amir Abu Fatimah, Kinging Auta, Abdul Jamilu, Salisu, Mallam Jidda, Maiwada, Mai Dada, and Nwachi Eze, an ESN commander also known as Onowu.
He added that two days ago, bandit kingpin Yellow Danbokkolo died from injuries sustained during an encounter with troops.
Troops also arrested notorious gunrunners and kidnappers on their watchlist, including Buhari Umar, Hassam Mohammed, Saleh Sani, Adamu Dan Mai, Idi Yusuf, Hassan Bello, Muhammed Isah, Shimu Ilu Adamu, Ismaila Ilu Hassan, Michael, and Shittu Muazu Bakassi.
