Troops of the Nigerian Army have uncovered and deactivated 63 illegal refining sites. They were also able to recover stolen products while apprehending 182 suspected oil thieves within two weeks.
Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, shared this significant achievement during a press briefing in Abuja. He highlighted the troops’ accomplishments, stating that hostages were also released.
“We killed 73 terrorists, arrested 182, and rescued 68 hostages.”
Buba further detailed the Nigerian Army operation, mentioning the destruction of 63 illegal refining sites, which included 15 dugout pits, 45 boats, 87 storage tanks, 128 cooking ovens, one pumping machine, and four outboard engines.
Additionally, 14 suspected oil thieves were arrested. The troops managed to recover a substantial amount of stolen goods, totaling 962,500 liters of crude oil, 35,420 liters of illegally refined AGO, 38,450 liters of DPK, and 45,000 liters of PMS, with an estimated value of N1,212,046,140.
In this operation, the Nigerian Army also seized 119 assorted weapons and 1,537 assorted ammunitions.
Major General Buba reassured Nigerians of the military’s continuous efforts to suppress terrorist activities, emphasizing, “The ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations have prevented these evil elements from accomplishing their strategic objectives.”
The issue of oil theft has plagued Nigeria for years, leading to significant losses, including lives and revenue. Recently, former Niger Delta militant leader Asari Dokubo accused powerful groups in Abuja of orchestrating massive oil theft in the Niger Delta.
