In continuation of the fight against crude oil thieves in Nigeria Delta region, Nigerian troops recorded significant strides in May and deactivated a total of 27 illegal refining sites, says the Defence Headquarters.
One among the 8 deactivated reservoirs in Port Harcourt was laden with 1 million litres of crude oil .
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Abuja. He said troops foiled oil theft worth over N31.4 million in the process.
“Troops of Operation Delta Safe sustained operational tempo against crude oil thieves and other criminals in the Niger Delta,” he said.
The defence media spokesman said the operation led to the destruction of numerous equipment, including: 96 items of equipment, 21 crude oil cooking ovens, 34 dugout pits, 13 boat, 1 barge, 1 tug boat, 40 storage tanks and 9 drums
The military also recovered stolen crude oil and refined products, including:- 77,530 litres of stolen crude oil, 10,340 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 2,700 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), 1,240 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)
Other items recovered include outboard engines, pipes, pumping machines, drilling machines, horses, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones, and nine vehicles.
The operation led to the arrest of 27 oil thieves and other criminals, with assorted arms and ammunition recovered.
“27 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested while assorted arms and ammunition were also recovered,” Kangye said.
In addition to the oil theft operation, the troops also undertook anti-kidnapping and anti-criminality operations on June 1, in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta.
“Three criminals were arrested, while some weapons and ammunition as well as mobile phones, laptops, television sets, and vehicle from them during the operations,” Kangye added.