Military Delivers Deadly Blow To Oil Thieves, Recovers N793m Stolen Crude
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In a decisive week of military action, the Nigerian Armed Forces have successfully neutralized 118 terrorists and confiscated an astounding N793 million worth of stolen crude oil.
This announcement, made by Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, emphasises the military’s escalating efforts to combat both oil theft and insurgency across the nation.
According to the statement released from the Defence Headquarters on Friday, troops deployed in the Niger Delta region executed major operations that led to the seizure of 602,200 litres of stolen crude oil, along with 64,900 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and 12,690 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
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In the course of these operations, 18 suspects were apprehended, and a staggering 44 illegal refining sites were dismantled.
“The recoveries represent a significant blow to the illegal oil trade that has long plagued the Niger Delta region,” Major General Buba stated.
He emphasized that the military is actively working to “dismantle the network of oil thieves, bringing both their operations and financial gains to a halt.”
Beyond tackling economic sabotage in the South-South, the military further intensified counter-terrorism operations in Nigeria’s northern states. During this period, the military reported the neutralization of 118 terrorists and the arrest of 97 suspects, alongside the successful rescue of 96 kidnapped hostages.
The military’s northern operations also led to the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons.
Troops seized 87 assorted firearms, including formidable weaponry such as a PKT gun, a PKM machine gun, an RPG (rocket-propelled grenade), and 43 AK-47 rifles. In addition, they confiscated 2,244 rounds of ammunition and various vehicles and motorcycles.
The military’s efforts have been comprehensive, with the recovery of N778,560 in cash from terrorist operatives, in addition to a multitude of equipment including AK-47 magazines and mobile phones.
“The successful operations in both the South-South and Northern regions underscore the military’s resolve to root out criminal elements endangering the nation’s peace and stability,” Major General Buba concluded, reaffirming the military’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and security.
