By Sumaila Ogbaje
Troops of Operation Delta Safe have in the last three weeks, uncovered and destroyed several illegal refining sites and apprehended 19 suspects in the Niger Delta region.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Musa Danmadami, made this known while briefing newsmen on the operations of the military across the country on Thursday in Abuja.
Danmadami said the land, maritime and air components conducted operational activities at the creeks, waterways, high sea, towns, cities of Bayelsa, Delta and River State to checkmate the activities of criminal elements.
He said the troops, in the conduct of Operation Octopus Grip and other operations discovered and destroyed several illegal refining sites, equipment’s and petroleum products as well as apprehended some suspected criminals.
“Cumulatively, within the weeks in focus troops discovered as destroyed several illegal refining sites, 1,075 cooking ovens, 343 storage tanks, 154 dugout pits and 28 wooden boats.
“Troops also recovered two barge, seven tankers, 56 cars, 12 pumping machines, one outboard engine, one speedboat, one tug boat, seven motorcycles and one tricycle.
“Additionally, troops equally recovered 854,500 litres of crude oil, 1,055,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil and 2,000 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosine, one AK47 rifle while 19 suspected economic saboteurs were also arrested.
“All recovered items and apprehended suspects have been handed over to the appropriate authority for further action.
“It is worth mentoring that the sum of N810.9 million only were denied oil thieves,” he said.
Danmadami said the air component of Operation Delta Safe conducted air interdiction operation over Okomabio, identified as illegal refining site which was observed to be active with white and blue coloured makeshift tents during the period.
He said the location was bombarded with several illegal refining equipment destroyed thereby deterring oil thieves from operating within the region.
In the South East, he said the troops and other security agencies had sustained the offensive against the activities of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals in the zone.
Danmadami said the troops neutralised seven IPOB/ESN criminals, apprehended six others and recovered several cache of arms and ammunition.