Troops foil N646m oil theft, destroy 42 illegal refineries, others

A motorbike stops near a Nigerian Army armored personnel carrier blocking the access to the National Assembly during the End Bad Governance protest in Abuja on August 1, 2024. – Nigerian troops and police tightened security in Lagos and the capital Abuja on Thursday as they prepared for planned protests over the cost of living. Africa’s most populous country is struggling with soaring inflation and a sharply devalued naira currency after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu introduced reforms a year ago that aimed to revive the economy. (Photo by Kola Sulaimon / AFP)

Nigerian troops have prevented the theft of crude oil worth over ₦646 million, dismantling 42 illegal refineries and 164 crude oil cooking ovens in a series of operations across the country.

The nationwide offensive, coordinated by multiple military task forces, also targeted terrorism, banditry, and violent crime, leading to the killing of dozens of insurgents, the rescue of kidnapped victims, and the seizure of illegal weapons.

During a briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, revealed that troops of Operation Delta Safe intercepted 497,152 litres of stolen crude oil, 142,000 litres of illegally refined diesel (AGO), and 4,075 litres of petrol (PMS).

In the operation, 37 dugout pits, 19 boats, 16 storage tanks, and 38 drums used for illegal refining were destroyed.

“Additionally, 23 suspects were arrested, and security forces recovered nine firearms and 162 rounds of ammunition,” Kangye stated.

Kangye disclosed that as part of Operation Hadin Kai, 65 Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents surrendered, while troops neutralized 22 terrorists, arrested 13 others, and rescued 34 kidnapped victims in Borno State.

“Security forces also seized 12 AK-47 rifles, two G3 rifles, three dane guns, RPG bombs, and over 500 rounds of ammunition,” Kangye said.

“In a separate raid, 18 ISWAP collaborators were arrested with incriminating evidence.”

Under Operation Fasan Yamma, troops eliminated 58 terrorists, arrested 11 others, and rescued 16 kidnapped victims across Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina, and Sokoto States.

Security forces also confiscated 31 AK-47 rifles, nine fabricated guns, two GPMGs, and over 650 rounds of ammunition.

“A notorious terrorist leader, Muhada Muhammadu (Yellow), and four of his accomplices were arrested, with security forces recovering N2.45 million in suspected ransom money,” Kangye revealed.

The Defence Headquarters also reported that Operations Whirl Punch, Safe Haven, and Whirl Stroke led to the arrest of over 100 violent extremists and the rescue of 31 kidnapped victims across Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, and Taraba States.

According to him, security forces also raided an illegal mining site in Nasarawa, apprehending 51 suspects and confiscating mining equipment, motorcycles, and mobile phones.

Troops of Operation Udo Ka engaged IPOB/ESN operatives in Imo, Ebonyi, and Anambra States, neutralizing four extremists, arresting six others, and rescuing four hostages.

“Security forces also raided militant camps, recovering seven AK-47 rifles, 15 IEDs, RPG bombs, hand grenades, and Baofeng radios used for communication,” Kangye added.

Kangye emphasized the military’s determination to maintain national security, ensuring that all recovered weapons, arrested suspects, and rescued victims were handed over to the appropriate authorities.

The Nigerian Armed Forces urged citizens to support ongoing security efforts against terrorism, oil theft, and other criminal activities threatening the country’s stability.