During the bi-weekly news conference on the Armed Forces’ of Nigeria operations, Major General Musa Danmadami, the Director of Defence Media Operation, disclosed that within the past two weeks, troops from Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) have successfully destroyed 38 illicit refining sites and apprehended 29 individuals suspected of engaging in oil theft.
This operation involved patrols, raids, anti-illegal oil refining, and swap buggies operations conducted across various locations in Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers States.
The primary objective was to curtail the activities of oil thieves and other criminal elements. Danmadami further revealed that as part of Operation Octopus Grip and other missions, the troops discovered and demolished illegal refining sites along with 24 wooden boats, 169 storage tanks, 152 ovens, and 19 dugout pits.
Significant recoveries were made, including 551,500 liters of crude oil, 394,500 liters of Automotive Gas Oil, 16 vehicles, four motorcycles, one tricycle, two pumping machines, one outboard engine, one generator, one speed boat, four weapons, and 132 assorted ammunitions.
Additionally, 29 economic saboteurs were arrested. All seized items and detained suspects have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further legal action.
The operation also resulted in a denial of N448.3 million in revenue to the oil thieves. In conjunction with the ground forces, the air component carried out various air operations within the joint area of operation.
Notably, an air interdiction was conducted in the active illegal oil bunkering area of Abacheke, resulting in the destruction of all illicit refining equipment at the location.
In the South East, Operation UDO KA continued to intensify its offensive against the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network and other criminal activities.
As a result, two terrorists were neutralized, seven suspected terrorists were apprehended, and four kidnapped victims were successfully rescued during the reporting period.