In the Niger Delta, “Operation Delta Safe” troops demolished 23 illegal refining plants and seized 367,200 litres of crude oil.
During a Thursday media briefing in Abuja, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations (DMO) at DHQ Abuja, stated this.
He stated the Joint Taskforce of Operation Delta Safe in the South-South intercepted and sank a crude oil thief.
Maj. Gen. Buba said the air component destroyed active illegal refining plants while troops destroyed dozens.
On July 7, 2023, military and operators of Tantita Surveillance, an oil pipelines contractor, stopped a vessel carrying suspected stolen crude oil and arrested 12 individuals (a Ghanaian and 11 Nigerians).
He said the vessel was detained between Delta and Ondo States. Holab Maritime Services Limited owns the 800,000-litre tanker MT TURA II. The ship was ALI RITA BEY.
Close inspection of the vessel showed that only two compartments were partially filled with 150 metric tonnes, or 178,000 litres, less than a fourth of the vessel.
The sailboat was arrested and sent to Oporoza in Delta State’s Warri South West Local Government Area.
The ship’s voyage showed that it started in Lagos and ended in Cameroon. Captain acknowledged to four years of illicit activity.
“On 11 July 23, the vessel was destroyed in accordance with existent operating procedure that specifies rapid destruction of any vehicle, vessel, or equipment involved with crude oil theft,” he stated.
Maj. Gen. Buba said troops demolished 23 illicit refining sites, 15 wooden boats, 34 storage tanks, 96 ovens, and 16 dugout pits.
He added that troops also recovered 367,200 gallons of crude oil, 27,150 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 220 various rounds of ammunition, six calibers of firearms, three vehicles, and 10 motorcycles. Troops apprehended 25 accused economic saboteurs.
Operation Delta Safe and Pilgrims Security Service troops responded to criminal activity around Chinese Camp in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State on July 10, 2023, the General said.
He said troops apprehended five suspects and recovered four motorcycles, stolen wires, and casted steel conveyor bearing balls.
The Defence Media Operations Director reported that Operation Delta Safe’s Air Component performed many air interdictions to reduce oil theft.
“Notably, on 10 and 11 July 23, the air component Operation DELTA SAFE conducted air interdiction flights at Samkri and Elem Kalabari, respectively, engaging active illegal refining sites with rockets and destroying some equipment.
Operation Delta Safe forces found 367,200 litres of crude oil, 27,150 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 550 various rounds of ammunition, 12 calibers of firearms, 7 empty magazines, 17 cutlasses, 3 automobiles, 19 motorcycles, and 1 dagger.
“Troops equally demolished 22 illegal refining installations, 15 wooden boats, 34 storage tanks, 96 ovens, and 16 dugout pits. 60 suspected criminals were arrested.
He noted that the oil thefts were refused N202,788,300.00.
Maj. Gen. Buba stressed that the military’s offensive actions were multi-theater.
He said these actions include rescuing hostages, neutralizing terrorists, gunmen, and bandits, and saving civilians. Kidnapper, bandit, and gunman hideout raids are others. Destination destroyed illicit refining sites and terrorist collaborators apprehended.
These operations support the military’s war mode to eliminate these threats. The perpetrators of this challenge would likely reassess their viewpoint due to ongoing operations’ offensive posture.
Tip-offs, intelligence, cooperation, and synergy helped the military. These guided several operations. “This shows that our security concerns require a collaborative effort and responsibility,” Maj-Gen Buba said.
