Combined military operations of the land, maritime and air component of the Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe in the South South region of Nigeria has led to the discovery and destruction of 57 illegal crude oil refining sites.
This was disclosed on Thursday in Abuja at the Nigerian Defence Headquarters by Major General Musa Danmadami while briefing journalists.
He said the joint operations which was conducted across bush paths, creeks, cities, and towns of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states, also denied the oil thieves N82million.
“During these operations, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE in the conduct of Operation OCTOPUS GRIP and other Operations discovered and destroyed 57 illegal refining sites, 27 wooden boats, 158 storage tanks, 149 ovens and 8 dugout pits. Troops also recovered 122,600 litres of crude oil, 89,850 litrers of AGO, 7 vehicles, 18 pumping machines, 1 outboard engine, 1 speedboat, 6 assorted ammunitions, 1 weapon and 1 tricycle.
“Troops also arrested 16 suspected economic saboteurs. All recovered items, arrested suspects have been handed over to the relevant authority for further action. Additionally, it is worthy to mention that a total of Eighty Two Million Four Hundred and Forty Five Thousand One Hundred and Fifty Naira (N82,445,150.00) only were denied the oil thefts during the period in focus,” he stated.
Danmadami added that, “relatedly, the air component of Operation DELTA SAFE between 2 and 3 June 2023 conducted air reconnaissance and air interdiction operation at Okoro Nyong and Ndele.
“Overhead, these locations which were observed to be rife with illegal refining activities with about 6 motorcycles sighted. Consequently, the locations was bombarded and destroyed while the illegal refined products and equipment were engulf in flames as a result of the air strike”.