Nigerian troops have raided a suspected illegal mining site run by Chinese expatriates in the Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
This was disclosed by Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations while briefing newsmen on Thursday at the Nigerian Defence Headquarters, Abuja.
He said the raid which happened on August 28, followed “human intelligence”, and was carried out by “troops in conjunction with officials of the Akwa Ibom State Government”.
According to General Buba, the illegal mining site was being run by Rotai Mining Company. He said the Chinese expatriates were “mining mineral identified as Titanium Ore without due authorization”, and “claimed to have applied for mining license pending approval”.
On other operations of troops in the Niger Delta region, he said “On 1 September 2023, following a tip off, troops raided suspected militant camp at in Ahoada West LGA of Rivers State. Troops made contact and arrested a suspected militant/bunkerer. Troops recovered one Pump action gun, 2 live cartridges, 2 rounds of 7.62 mm NATO ammo, one round of 7.62 mm Special ammo and NA uniforms”.
On air operations targeted at oil thieves in the region, he said based on intelligence, the air component of the military conducted air strikes “on illegal refining activities in Bille and Gogokiri”, both in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State. “The location was sighted to be active and subsequently acquired. The locations were attacked with rockets and cannons, destroying their equipment and reservoirs”.
“Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE destroyed 81 dugout pits, 65 boats, 141 storage tanks, 15 vehicles, 4 motorcycles, 174 cooking ovens, 8 pumping machines, 3 generators, 5 speedboats and 77 illegal refining sites. Also, troops recovered 869,900 liters of stolen crude oil, 538,875 liters of illegally refined AGO, 350 litres DPK, 82,150 liters of PMS, 4 weapons and 3 assorted ammunitions. Troops also arrested 67 suspected oil thefts”.
He further warned that the Nigerian Armed Forces will “continue to apply strong military pressure on groups undermining the national security of the country”.
“It is clear that, the terrorist and their cohorts cannot win in the face of ongoing military pressure against them. Accordingly, the terrorists and their cohorts are encouraged to drop their arms and rejoin society to provide a better life for themselves and their children. They risk annihilation if they fail to do so.
“Nigerians need to know that, we are in this together. The military is with you. The military will work tirelessly to ensure your safety and security. Importantly, the trust and cooperation from supportive groups being witnessed today is unprecedented. The inputs from these groups is making a difference in our operations. Citizens are encouraged to Know Something, Say Something and we will do something about it,” he added.
