The Defence Headquarters has announced that troops of Operation Delta Safe have successfully discovered and deactivated 53 illegal oil refining sites, apprehended 19 suspected oil thieves, and recovered stolen products within a one-week operation.

Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, provided this information during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, where he highlighted the overall operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria across the country.

Major General Buba emphasized that the troops have maintained a strong offensive against crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region. As part of their efforts, they uncovered and destroyed 54 dugout pits, 66 boats, 138 storage tanks, 253 cooking ovens, two pumping machines, eight speedboats, 17 hoses, 18 drums, and two cylinders.

The operation also led to the recovery of 983,350 litres of stolen crude oil, 144,980 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and 71,650 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK). Additionally, one criminal was neutralized, three hostages were rescued, and various items such as a fabricated rifle, 18 vehicles, and a torchlight were recovered.

In the Southeast, troops of Operation UDO KA conducted a surprise operation and arrested suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) in Ikwo and Okigwe local government areas of Ebonyi and Imo states. During the operation, five terrorists were neutralized, 12 suspected criminals were arrested, and seven kidnapped hostages were rescued. The troops also recovered weapons and explosive materials, including locally made guns, ammunition, and improvised explosive device (IED) components.

Major General Buba highlighted that the military has identified and dismantled several havens used by criminals across different theatres of operation, including national parks, game reserves, and forests. He expressed concern over the disturbing activities found in some of these hideouts, indicating that the extremists involved were engaged in heinous acts, including cannibalism and other atrocities.

The military remains committed to taking decisive action against oil theft and other criminal activities, ensuring the dismantling of criminal havens, and safeguarding the security and well-being of the Nigerian people.