Troops destroy 65 illegal refining sites in major operation

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that troops of Operation Delta Safe have successfully destroyed 65 illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta region over the past week.

This significant operation was detailed by Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.

In addition to the destruction of the refining sites, the troops discovered and eliminated two dugout pits, 58 boats, 39 storage tanks, 13 cooking ovens, 35 drums, one motorcycle, one tricycle, four speed boats, and 13 vehicles.

The operation also resulted in the recovery of 789,200 litres of stolen crude oil and 64,950 litres of illegally refined automotive gas oil (AGO).

Maj.-Gen. Buba highlighted that the troops rescued one kidnapped hostage and apprehended 35 suspected oil thieves and violent extremists.

He noted the recovery of various arms during these operations.

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The Air Component of the operation also conducted air interdictions aimed at addressing security challenges, crude oil theft, and the protection of oil and gas infrastructure.

“During these operations, numerous illegal refining sites, storage tanks, reservoirs, barges, and boats were destroyed,” he stated.

In a related operation in the Southeast, Maj.-Gen. Buba reported that troops of Operation UDO KA engaged suspected terrorists and conducted raids in Anambra, Ebonyi, and Imo States.

The troops neutralized nine terrorists, apprehended 21 violent extremists, and rescued 14 kidnapped hostages while recovering a large cache of arms and ammunition.