ODS: Troops Destroy 74 Illegal Refineries, Recover Weapons, Arrest 71 Culprits
Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE (ODS) in the conduct of Operation OCTOPUS GRIP and other operations in the South South zone within the weeks discovered and destroyed 74 illegal refineries and arrested a total of 71 criminals terrorizing the zone.
This was disclosed at a press briefing by Director of Defense Media Operation, DMO, Major General Musa Danmadami at Defense Headquarter, Abuja.
In addition, the troops have also recovered 209,000 litres of crude oil, 145,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 4,500 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, 27 variety of weapons, 468 assorted ammunition, 2 speed boats, 2 outboard engine, 8 vehicles and 4 motorcycles.
Danmadami explained that the Operations were conducted at the creeks, waterways, high sea, towns and cities of Bayelsa, Delta, River State, Cross River and Akwa Ibom state respectively, which yielded appreciable results.
” Precisely, on 25 February 2023, troops on fighting patrol at Obudu town, Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State arrested a suspected cult leader of Vikings confraternity at his residence.
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“Troops search his residence and recovered 1 model MP-25 auto pistol, 1 round of 7.62mm special ammunition, one cartridge and a mobile phone.
“Following credible intelligent, troops on patrol at Ikono and Ogoja Local Government Areas of Cross River State intercepted 2 buses and arrested 11 suspected criminals as well as recovered 5 pistols, 4 locally made pistols, 26 cartridges, 1 dane gun and 2 machetes,” Danmadami added.
Mr Danmadami also said that on 6 March 2023, troops conducted cordon and search operation at the residence of a community leader within Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State. The search was base on credible intelligence on illegal possession of arms and ammunition which led to the arrest of two suspects and troops recovered 3 locally made guns, 27 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 2 G3 rifle magazines, 1 G3 rifle butt and 1 cleaning rod.
“All recovered items and apprehended suspects have been handed over to the appropriate authority for further action. It is worth mentioning that the sum of One Hundred and Seventy Three Million, Nine Hundred and Eighty Five Thousand Six Hundred and Fifty Naira (N173,985,650.00) only were denied oil thieves,” he said.
