Troops deployed to Nigeria’s South-South region have recovered 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) during a series of operations over the past week.
The Defence Headquarters disclosed these operations in a statement on Friday, released by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba.
According to Buba, the total value of the recovered items is estimated at N793 million.
In addition to the recoveries, 18 suspected oil thieves were arrested, and 44 illegal refining sites were uncovered and destroyed.
“Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 4 dugout pits, 48 boats, 3 speedboats, 156 drums, and 34 storage tanks,” Buba said.
“The recovered items included 602,200 litres of stolen crude oil, 64,900 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 12,690 litres of PMS. Troops also confiscated 28 cooking ovens, 8 vehicles, one motorcycle, one tricycle, and dismantled 44 illegal refining sites.”
In the ongoing crackdown against oil theft, the military continues to target illegal refining activities in the region, a huge source of revenue loss for the government.
Buba also provided updates on counter-terrorism efforts in northern Nigeria, revealing that troops had neutralised 118 terrorists, arrested 97 suspects, and rescued 96 kidnapped hostages during the same period.
The operations led to the recovery of 87 assorted weapons, including AK-47 rifles, PKT guns, RPGs, and over 2,200 rounds of ammunition.
Other items seized during the counter-terrorism operations included 10 vehicles, 33 motorcycles, 50 mobile phones, and a cash sum of N778,560.
The Nigerian military continues to intensify its operations across the country, targeting illegal activities and ensuring security in conflict-prone areas.
