Nigerian troops deployed in the south-south region of the country to combating crude oil theft have in the last week arrested 20 perpetrators of oil theft and denied oil thieves an estimated sum of N744,153,900.
According to Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, the troops have been proactive in their operations. “During the week under review, troops neutralized 125 and arrested 200 persons. Troops rescued 140 kidnapped hostages in various locations,” General Buba stated
In a statement sent to Africa Health Report on Friday in Abuja, General Buba stated that the military’s efforts have also led to the recovery of a substantial amount of weapons and ammunition. He reported, “Troops recovered 120 assorted weapons and 1,793 assorted ammunition, including AK47 rifles, locally fabricated guns, dane guns, and more.”
In the Niger Delta area, troops have been focused on dismantling illegal operations. General Buba mentioned, “Troops discovered and destroyed dugout pits, boats, storage tanks, and illegal refining sites. They also recovered stolen crude oil and illegally refined AGO.
“The military’s strategy moving forward involves a unified command structure to combat crude oil theft comprehensively. This approach includes targeting specific areas to boost oil production, ensuring transparency by oil companies, and tracking the movement of crude oil from loading to destination points.”
He explained that the military aims to galvanize support from the people of the Niger Delta and stakeholders in the oil sector. General Buba emphasised, “Operations will ensure the prosecution of culprits engaged in crude oil theft and continue to focus on providing security and stability for the nation and its citizens.”
