By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Military foils N388 Million stolen crude operation, arrests 22 suspects
In a significant operation in the Niger Delta region, the military successfully thwarted the theft of crude oil worth N388,469,650.00, leading to the apprehension of 22 suspected oil thieves by the Nigeria military. Major General Buba Edward, the Director of Defence Media Operations, announced these accomplishments during a press briefing held in Abuja. This comes as part of the military’s ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities in the area.
Edward detailed, “Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and dismantled 38 dugout pits, seized 21 boats, dismantled 57 storage tanks, confiscated three tapping hoses, four drum receivers, 89 cooking ovens, six pumping machines, three outboard engines, and neutralized 34 illegal refining sites. Additionally, troops recovered 696,250 litres of stolen crude oil, 54,400 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 1,200 litres of PMS.”
In a comprehensive update on the counter-insurgency operations, the military spokesperson revealed that a total of 191 terrorists were neutralized, while 184 were apprehended in the past week. He further disclosed that troops successfully captured two high-profile Islamic State for West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Niger State’s Tafa and Suleja local government areas. These prominent terrorists were apprehended during joint clearance operations conducted by troops in collaboration with other security agencies on September 21.
“On September 21, 2023,military troops, in synergy with personnel from sister agencies, conducted targeted raids on terrorists’ hideouts in Tafa and Suleja LGAs of Niger State. These operations led to the arrest of two high-profile ISWAP terrorists,” stated Edward.
Additionally, on September 20, 2023, troops on patrol conducted raids on criminal hideouts in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) of the Federal Capital Territory. During this operation, troops arrested 51 suspects and impounded three vehicles for various offenses. All suspects and seized vehicles have been duly handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.
Edward also highlighted that troops achieved significant success in rescue operations, liberating 91 kidnap victims. Moreover, 104 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and their families voluntarily surrendered to troops across various theatres of operation, marking a positive stride in ongoing efforts to combat insurgency in the region.