The Nigerian military has dealt a major blow to oil theft operations in the Niger Delta, confiscating crude oil worth over One Billion Naira (N1,193,817,760) and arresting 45 suspects in a week, according to a statement by Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, on Friday.
Troops also discovered and dismantled several illegal refining sites, including 35 cooking ovens, 61 illegal storage tanks, and 35 boats and seized over 940,000 liters of stolen crude oil and 252,000 liters of illicitly refined products.
Other recovered items included five speedboats, eight vehicles, 59 drums, and several motorcycles.
In addition to the oil theft crackdown, General Buba stated that the military within the period under review further neutralised 212 criminals and arrested 272 individuals across various operations.
“The operations have led to significant disruption of criminal activities in the region,” Major General Buba said.
The military also increased its focus on counterterrorism efforts, with operations targeting terrorist leaders across multiple theaters.
Earlier, Africa Health Report published that the defence authorities have informed of the arrest of high-profile terrorists Hamisu Sale (aka Master) and Abubakar Muhammad, saying they are providing crucial intelligence on terror networks.
It was similarly reported that notorious terrorist leader Bako Wurgi, linked with the murder of Sokoto monarch,was captured but died from injuries sustained during a gunfight.
The military further seized 247 assorted weapons, including 110 AK47 rifles and thousands of rounds of ammunition, reinforcing their commitment to dismantling terrorism and criminal networks.
“Our operations are aimed at securing the nation and ensuring that those who engage in criminal activities are held accountable,” General Buba added, urging citizens to report suspicious activities to support ongoing security efforts.
