Military destroys 40 illegal oil refineries in N/Delta region

The Nigerian military says it has destroyed 40 illegal refineries and arrested 21 oil thieves within the Niger Delta region in the last two weeks.

Benard Onyeuko, the director of defence media operations (DMO), who disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja, also informed that the troops of ‘Operation Delta Safe’ also recovered over 1.1 million litres of crude oil, 456,450 litres of diesel, 6,250 litres of petrol among others from May 19 –June 2, 2022.

Onyeuko said all recovered items and apprehended criminals have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.

According to him, troops in the region have sustained pressure on economic saboteurs and other criminal elements which has significantly restricted the oil thieves’ freedom of action.

In the northeast region, the director said troops of ‘Operation Hadin Kai’ rescued 100 terrorist family members, including 33 women, killed 14 terrorists and arrested 15 others. “Accordingly, all arrested, rescued terrorist families and recovered items have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action,” he added.

Read also: Buhari, Kyari showcase oil, gas investment opportunities in Spain

Similarly, in the northwest region, Onyeuko said troops of ‘Operation Hadarin Daji’ rescued 152 persons from bandits in the northwest. He added that the troops killed 18 bandits and arrested 25 others.

As part of its non-kinetic measures towards ensuring the security of lives and property in the troubled parts of Kaduna State, the director informed that the military graduated 122 local vigilantes trained to assist the security agencies to ensure the security of the hinterland communities in Sanga local government area of Kaduna State.

“Furthermore, the theatre commander held peace meetings at the headquarters of ‘Operation Safe Haven’ with Bemood Fulani stakeholders in order to sustain peace in the area.

The meeting was centred on the killing and rustling of cattle at Kuru area in Jos South local government area of Plateau State, he urged the herders to be patient as efforts are ongoing to recover the rustled cows.