DHQ: Troops destroy 51 illegal refining sites, recover stolen crude oil in Niger Delta

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says the troops of Operation Delta Safe have destroyed 51 illegal oil refining sites in the Niger Delta region of the country.

In a statement on Friday detailing the troops’ activities in the last week, Edward Buba, DHQ media director, said stolen crude oil, refined products and N668.7 million were recovered.

Buba said 58 perpetrators of oil theft were also arrested, adding that the troops destroyed seven dugout pits, 25 boats, 47 storage tanks, five vehicles, 141 cooking ovens, one pumping machine, one outboard engine, one tricycle, one speedboat and one tugboat — all belonging to the suspects. 

He added that 267,700 litres of stolen crude oil, 567,700 litres of illegally refined automotive gas oil (AGO) and 5,000 litres of dual purpose kerosene (DPK) were recovered by the troops. 

“Troops have maintained momentum against oil theft and arrested persons involved in oil theft in Bonny and Ikpoba Local Government Areas of Rivers and Edo States respectively, NAN quoted Buba as saying. 

“Troops also arrested suspected armed robbers and foiled illegal bunkering activities in Oshimili South and Ukwa West of Delta and Abia States respectively.”

In the south-east zone, Buba said troops of Operation Udo Ka arrested 15 suspects and repelled attacks by members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Anambra, Abia and Imo.

He said the troops conducted raids, rescued five hostages and killed three suspects in Ishielu and Igbo Eze north LGAs of Ebonyi and Enugu, respectively.

In the south-west, Buba said troops of Operation Awatse foiled armed robbery attacks in Orelope and Olorunsogo LGAs of Oyo and arrested a gunrunner in Obafemi Owode LGA of Ogun.

He added that the troops rescued 15 kidnapped persons and recovered two vehicles.

“All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action,” he added.