Nigerian Troops Destroy 56 Illegal Refining Sites in One Week

Troops of Operation Delta Safe have intensified efforts against crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, dismantling 56 illegal refining sites within a week.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, disclosed this in Abuja on Friday while presenting the weekly update on military operations.

During the operation, troops recovered 675,266 litres of stolen crude oil, 312,593 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 4,500 litres of DPK. They also destroyed 51 crude oil cooking ovens, 49 dugout pits, 43 boats, 28 storage tanks, and 131 drums.

Additionally, the military seized four pumping machines, four tricycles, three motorcycles, seven mobile phones, and eight vehicles. A total of 31 suspected oil thieves and criminals were arrested, while 103 assorted arms and ammunition, along with three extra magazines, were recovered.

Between March 5 and 10, troops apprehended 11 suspected criminals and rescued four kidnapped victims in parts of Cross River, Rivers, and Delta states.

The air component also carried out patrols and reconnaissance missions over areas including Imo River, Owaza, Ohaji/Egbema, and Abacheke, as well as Nembe, Okpokiri, Tomkiri, Brass, and Belema. These operations contributed to the destruction of illegal refining sites and the seizure of various equipment.