The Nigerian military has successfully thwarted an attempt to steal crude oil worth N388,469,650.00 in the Niger Delta region, leading to the arrest of 22 individuals involved in illegal oil activities.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Major General Buba Edward, the Director of Defence Media Operations, provided details of the operation.
He stated, “Troops in the Niger Delta discovered and destroyed 38 dugout pits, 21 boats, 57 storage tanks, three tapping hoses, four drum receivers, 89 cooking ovens, six pumping machines, three outboard engines, and 34 illegal refining sites.”
The military operation also resulted in the recovery of substantial quantities of stolen resources. Edward further revealed, “Troops recovered 696,250 litres of stolen crude oil, 54,400 litres of illegally refined AGO (Automotive Gas Oil), and 1,200 litres of PMS (Premium Motor Spirit).”
The interception and arrests occurred as part of ongoing efforts to combat oil theft in the region, which has had a detrimental impact on the nation’s economy.
In addition to this successful operation, Edward provided an update on the counter-insurgency efforts against terrorist groups in the country. He noted, “A total of 191 terrorists were killed while 184 were arrested in the last one week.”
Highlighting significant achievements in the fight against terrorism, he continued, “Troops arrested two high-profile Islamic State for West African Province terrorists in the Tafa and Suleja local government areas of Niger State during clearance operations conducted by troops in collaboration with other security operatives on September 21.”
Edward emphasized that these operations are crucial in maintaining security and stability across the nation.
He added, “On September 20, 2023, troops on patrol raided criminal hideouts in the Abuja Municipal Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). During the operation, troops arrested 51 suspects and impounded three vehicles for various offenses. All have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.”
The military also successfully rescued kidnapped victims and encouraged the surrender of terrorist elements.
Edward stated, “Troops successfully rescued 91 kidnap victims, and 104 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and their families surrendered to troops across various theatres of operation.”
