Nigerian troops uncover 53 illegal refinery, arrest 81 oil thieves
By SUMAYYAH ADEFAKA
Troops of Operation Safe Haven in the South South region have uncovered 53 illegal refining sites, arrested 81 oil thieves, and recovered assorted arms and ammunition in the South South in January.
The Director, Defence Media Operations (DMO), Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, said at a news briefing on Friday that the troops also foiled the theft of 210,300 litres of crude oil, 66,725 litres of AGO, 660 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosine, and 5,000 litres of PMS in the month under review.
According to him, as part of continued efforts to dissuade illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta Region, the Air Component of Operation DELTA SAFE conducts armed reconnaissance missions over Bakana and Abuloma.
“During the missions, it was observed that a large-sized barge was siphoning petroleum products. Target was acquired and engaged accordingly,” he said.
Onoja said that significantly, “crime rate has drastically reduced in the South East region compared to past crime occurrence”.
However, he said troops of Operation Udo Ka killed some terrorists, arrested 22 criminals, and rescued 11 kidnapped victims during the period. He added that 80 militants surrendered to troops, while eight Cameroonian nationals were rescued during a cross-border patrol along the Bakassi waterways in January.
The DMO said that 452 terrorists, their informants, and other criminal elements were arrested in January, 284 kidnapped victims were rescued, and 124 terrorists and their families surrendered to troops across the various Theatre of Operations.
Onoja said that among the terrorists killed in the North East during the period were one of their senior commanders, identified as Qaid, and his lieutenant, Munzir.
In the North West, he said that following a distress call for close air support to ground troops conducting a clearance operation at Chukuba Village in Shiroro LGA of Niger State, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA provided close air support to the troops.
“The location was scanned and observed to have terrorist activity. Targets were acquired and engaged with cannons. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralised,” he said.
Onoja reiterated the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the successful conduct of ongoing military operations across all theatres, saying that troops remained focused, professional, and resolute in discharging their constitutional mandate to safeguard lives, property, and the nation’s territorial integrity.
He said that although challenges persist, significant progress was being recorded through sustained operations, inter-agency collaboration, and the support of local communities.
“We sincerely appreciate the cooperation, resilience, and patriotism of Nigerians, whose timely information, understanding, and support have remained critical to operational success.
“We also acknowledged the media for their responsible reporting and partnership in ensuring accurate information reaches the public. The Armed Forces will continue to adapt, innovate, and respond decisively to evolving security threats,” he said.
