Military dismantles 60 illegal refining sites, recovers ₦712m stolen crude

The Nigerian military has ramped up its efforts to combat oil theft and terrorism, dismantling 60 illegal refining sites and seizing 712,535 liters of stolen crude oil in the Niger Delta region.

According to the military high command, this operation is part of a broader campaign aimed at disrupting criminal activities in the region and across the country.

In a statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, the military reported that its troops disrupted oil theft operations, recovering stolen crude oil valued at over ₦712 million.

In addition to the oil seizure, the military destroyed critical infrastructure used by oil thieves, which included 48 boats, 52 drums, 38 storage tanks, and four dugout pits.

Alongside the stolen crude, troops recovered 76,800 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Other items seized during the operations included 55 cooking ovens, two speedboats, a tricycle, six vehicles, six mobile phones, and a cache of illegal weapons.

The military confiscated 71 assorted weapons, including 50 AK-47 rifles, five locally made pistols, and 16 fabricated rifles, along with 1,463 rounds of ammunition.

According to Buba, the crackdown on oil theft is part of a larger nationwide operation against criminal elements. The military also announced that 96 individuals were neutralized and 227 others arrested in various operations across Nigeria over the past week. Among those detained were 45 suspects involved in oil theft, and 157 kidnapped hostages were rescued.

In its ongoing fight against terrorism, the military reported the elimination of five key leaders of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

In a separate operation in North Central Nigeria, troops apprehended Usman Maisaje, a notorious terrorist commander linked to high-profile terrorist leader Kachalla Boka. Maisaje is reportedly providing crucial intelligence to aid future military operations.

The Defence Headquarters has praised these recent successes and reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating terrorism and criminal activities across the country. The statement emphasized that operations will continue to dismantle terrorist networks and degrade their capabilities.