Troops destroy 53 illegal refineries, arrest 81 suspects in Niger Delta

The Defence Headquarters says troops of Operation Delta Safe have destroyed at least 53 illegal crude oil refining sites and arrested 81 suspected oil thieves and other criminals during operations carried out across the Niger Delta in January.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja while briefing journalists on the activities of the armed forces for the month.

Onoja said the troops acted on several distress calls linked to sea piracy, illegal refining and other criminal activities within the period under review.

According to him, the operations are part of ongoing efforts to curb crude oil theft, protect national assets and improve security in the Niger Delta region.

He said the troops also recovered assorted arms and ammunition while dismantling several illicit refining camps across the region.

According to him, further offensive operations were conducted in Ini and Essien Udim Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom, as well as Okpe Local Government Area of Delta, where five additional suspects were arrested and weapons recovered.

“As part of efforts to curb crude oil theft, the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe carried out armed reconnaissance missions over Bakana and Abuloma towns.

“During the missions, a large barge was observed siphoning petroleum products and was subsequently engaged,” he said.

Onoja said that over 80 militants surrendered to troops, while eight Cameroonian nationals were rescued during cross-border patrols along the Bakassi waterways during the period.

In the South-East, He said the troops of Operation UDO KA sustained operations against terrorists, militants and other criminal elements across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States.

He said the troops neutralised some terrorists, apprehended 22 suspects and rescued 11 kidnapped victims, with arms and ammunition recovered during various operations.

According to him, security assessments indicate a significant reduction in crime rates across the South-East compared to previous months, reflecting the effectiveness of sustained military pressure and non-kinetic engagements.

He reiterated the unwavering commitment of the military to ongoing operations across all theatres, assuring citizens of continued professionalism, inter-agency cooperation and resolve to restore peace and stability nationwide.

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