The Defence Headquarters has announced that troops from Operation Delta Safe arrested 49 individuals linked to oil theft and dismantled 22 illegal refining sites within the past week.
Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, made the revelation in a statement issued in Abuja.
Kangye highlighted that during the operation, the military successfully prevented oil theft valued at approximately N869.2 million.
The efforts resulted in the recovery of 325,990 litres of stolen crude oil, 24,645 litres of illegally refined diesel, 19,500 litres of petrol, and 1,600 litres of engine oil.
In addition to the seized oil, the operation led to the discovery and destruction of 86 crude oil cooking ovens, 181 dugout pits, 25 boats (including one speedboat), 18 storage tanks, 316 drums, and other illegal refining infrastructure.
Various items were also confiscated during the raids, including generators, jacks, galvanized pipes, pumping and drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones, and 18 vehicles.
Kangye emphasized that the military, in collaboration with other security agencies, continues to uphold courage, professionalism, and discipline in tackling the nation’s security challenges.
Troops across various regions of Nigeria, including the North-East, North-West, North-Central, and South-South, have neutralized insurgents, rescued kidnapped victims, arrested suspects, and seized weapons and ammunition.
Between April 3 and April 10, the military recovered a significant cache of arms, including machine guns, RPG launchers, automatic rifles, locally fabricated firearms, and explosives.
Additionally, large quantities of 7.62mm and 9mm ammunition, as well as live cartridges, were seized as part of ongoing efforts to ensure the nation’s security.
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