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By: Manoah KIkekon
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| Illegal Refining site |
The Nigerian military has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, successfully dismantling 56 illegal refining sites within a single week.
Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, shared this update during a weekly briefing on the ongoing security operations across the region in Abuja on Friday.
According to Maj.-Gen. Kangye, the troops seized a total of 675,266 liters of stolen crude oil, 312,593 liters of illegally refined diesel, and 4,500 liters of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) during the operations.
Additionally, security forces uncovered and destroyed 51 crude oil cooking ovens, 49 dugout pits, 43 boats, 28 storage tanks, and 131 drums used for illicit refining activities. The troops also confiscated essential equipment, including four pumping machines, four tricycles, three motorcycles, seven mobile phones, and eight vehicles.
"Furthermore, security personnel arrested 31 individuals suspected of involvement in oil theft and other criminal activities. The operation also led to the recovery of 103 assorted firearms, ammunition, and three additional magazines," Kangye revealed.
Between March 5 and March 10, the military detained 11 suspected criminals and rescued four kidnapped victims in various locations, including Bakassi and Onelga local government areas of Cross River and Rivers States. The security forces also conducted successful interventions in Warri South, Sapele, Uvwie, and Ughelli areas of Delta State.
The air component of the operation carried out surveillance and reconnaissance missions over strategic locations such as the Imo River, Owaza, Ohaji/Egbema, and Abacheke general areas, along with Nembe, Okpokiri, Tomkiri, Brass, and Belema regions.
These aerial operations played a crucial role in detecting and eliminating illegal refining sites, as well as neutralizing boats, vehicles, and other illicit equipment used in oil theft.
(NAN)