In the recent operations carried out by troops in the South-South region of Nigeria, a significant recovery of stolen resources was achieved, highlighting the ongoing battle against oil theft and illegal refining activities. According to a statement from Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, the military forces managed to recover 602,200 litres of stolen crude oil, 64,900 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and 12,690 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) over the span of a week. The estimated value of these recoveries amounts to around N793 million, underlining the economic impact of these illegal operations. In addition to recovering these stolen resources, troops arrested 18 individuals suspected of involvement in oil theft and uncovered 44 illegal refining sites that were subsequently destroyed.
The operations in the Niger Delta region saw troops dismantling well-established facilities used in oil theft. The military not only recovered significant amounts of stolen oil but also seized various tools and vehicles associated with these illegal activities. Among the items recovered were four dugout pits, 48 boats, three speedboats, 156 drums, and 34 storage tanks, as well as 28 cooking ovens, eight vehicles, one motorcycle, and one tricycle. The collective effort in these operations showcases the determination of the Nigerian military to combat environmental and economic crimes resulting from illegal oil activities in the region.
In addition to tackling oil theft, the military operations also included counter-terrorism efforts in the northern parts of Nigeria. Here, troops achieved considerable success, neutralizing 118 terrorists during the week. The military’s sustained focus on eradicating terrorism has led to the arrest of 97 individuals suspected of terrorist activities and the rescue of 96 hostages who had been kidnapped. This dual focus on both oil theft and terrorism illustrates the multifaceted challenges faced by the Nigerian military and their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of citizens.
The military’s counter-terrorism operations also resulted in the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons and ammunition. Detailed reports indicate that troops recovered 87 assorted weapons, including one PKT gun, one PKM, one RPG, one auto pistol, 43 AK47 rifles, and various other firearms and ammunition types. The recovery of such a vast array of weapons not only disrupts the operational capabilities of terrorist groups but also represents a major step in improving overall security in the regions affected by violence and instability.
Furthermore, the operations yielded an impressive list of additional items, including ten vehicles, 33 motorcycles, 50 mobile phones, and a cash sum of N778,560. This haul, combined with the neutralization of terrorist threats, demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated military strategies in fighting various forms of crime within the country. The success of these operations contributes to the broader goal of re-establishing law and order, particularly in areas heavily impacted by insurgency and illegal oil activities.
In summary, the recent military operations in Nigeria’s South-South region and northern areas have led to significant recoveries of stolen resources and a decisive blow to terrorist activities. The successful unveiling of illegal refining sites and the arrest of numerous suspects underscore the military’s relentless pursuit of those engaging in economic sabotage and violence. Additionally, the recovery of weapons signifies a critical step toward enhancing national security. Overall, these operations highlight the ongoing efforts of the Nigerian military to restore stability and protect the nation’s resources from illicit activities.
