5 Illegal Refineries Confiscated, 4 Militants Killed in N/Delta–DMO
Five illegal refineries have been destroyed, while four militants were recently killed in the anti-illegal oil bunkering operations conducted by military troops in the Niger Delta region.
Maj. Gen. John Enenche, Coordinator of the Defence Media Operations, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja, on Thursday.
According to Enenche, a total of five illegal refineries, 14 surface metal storage tanks, nine coolers, nine cooking ovens were confiscated, while the site has been earmarked for swamp buggy operations.
“While about 2,640.5 barrels of stolen crude oil, 80,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil and 43,000 liters of Premium Motor Spirit were seized. Troops also neutralized 4 militants and recovered arms and ammunition during clearance operations on pirates/militants’ camps at Ibokiri and New Jerusalem in Degema LGA of Rivers State,” he said.
The DMO Coordinator, further added that since the commencement of Operation ACCORD, several high-profile terrorists’ and bandits’ leaders have surrendered, while many others have been neutralized and their equipment captured by our gallant troops.
He said between 11 and 18 June, the AFN troops neutralized 52 criminals across all theatres with the destruction and recovery of weapons.
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“Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE on 14 Jun 2020 apprehended one militia leader popularly known as Alhaji Audu from Olegeje community in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State. In the course of the operation, arms and ammunition were recovered. Alhaji Audu was suspected to be responsible for several attacks in the community and has been on the wanted list of security agencies for some time now. The arrest of Alhaji Audu has brought relative peace to the surrounding communities,” he stated.
Gen. Enenche, equally stated that, “Troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE also carried out several aggressive clearance operation at various locations within the theatre, including a daring counter-attack on Boko Haram terrorists who attempted to infiltrate Monguno town on 12 June 2020.”
He said the counter attack by own troops at Monguno resulted in the neutralization of 41 terrorists, and the recovery of a large cache of arms, ammunition and equipment, as well as the rescue of 33 captives, amongst others.
He then added: “Within the period under review, the Land and Air components of Operations HADARIN DAJI, KATSINA and ACCORD, carried out aggressive Clearance Operations at several identified bandits’ enclaves. Most importantly was the attack on 3 camps operated by one “Adamu Aleiro” in a forest along Katsina – Zamfara boundary area. Scores of bandits were killed during that encounter, with several others injured. In the process, troops also apprehended 3 suspected bandits, including one Ibrahim Isa clad in military camouflage while 6 kidnapped victims were rescued, amongst other recoveries.
“Furthermore, AFN troops under the auspices of Operation ACCORD carried out several Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities at various communities within the North-West theatre. These efforts include: Drilling and completion of 7 boreholes at Mazoji, Kururubai and Gabasawa B communities in Daura LGA, Tudun Matawalle, Rahamawa and Tudun-Dole and Natsinta communities of Katsina LGA. Presently, 2 additional boreholes are being drilled in Dangeza and Dunya villages in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State. Plans are also underway to construct a Medical Dispensary in Mazoji community in Daura LGA, as well as renovate schools in the vicinity.”
