Troops destroy 22 illegal refining sites, arrest economic saboteurs in South-South region
The Troops of Operation Delta Safe have destroyed 22 illegal refining sites, and arrested 25 suspected economic saboteurs of crude oil, among other successes recorded in the South-South region of the country.
Maj.Gen. Edward Buba, the Director, Defence Media Operations (DMO) disclosed this during a media briefing on Thursday in Abuja.
He said troops also destroyed several illegal refining sites, while the air component conducted air interdiction to destroy active illegal refining sites.
He stated that troops of the Joint Taskforce of Operation Delta Safe in the South-South intercepted and destroyed a vessel involved in crude oil theft.
He said that on 7 July 23, troops and Operators of Tantita Surveillance contractors intercepted a vessel loaded with suspected stolen crude oil and arrested 12 suspects, a Ghanian and 11 Nigerians.
According to him, the vessel was arrested between the boundaries of Delta and Ondo State. The vessel, MT TURA II reportedly owned by Holab Maritime Services Limited has a tank capacity of 800,000 litres. The vessel was previously named ALI RITA BEY.
He also said that close inspection on the vessel revealed only two compartments were partially filled with about 150 metric tonnes which is approximately 178,000 litres, adding that this quantity is less than a quarter of the vessel.
He also stated that the vessel upon arrest was moved to Oporoza in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.
“The voyage of the vessel revealed that it originated from Lagos and was heading to Republic of Cameroon as its destination. The vessel captain admitted to having been engaged in same illegal activities for over four years.
Read Also:
“On 11 July 23, the vessel was destroyed in accordance with extant operating procedure that stipulates instant destruction of any vehicle, vessel or equipment linked with crude oil theft,” he said.
He further revealed that troops discovered and destroyed 23 illegal refining sites, 15 wooden boats, 34 storage tanks, 96 ovens and 16 dugout pits.
“Troops equally recovered 367,200 litres of crude oil, 27,150 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 220 assorted rounds of ammunitions, 6 calibers of weapons, 3 vehicles and 10 motorcycles”.
He further mentioned that on 10 Jul 23, troops of Operation Delta Safe with Pilgrims Security Service personnel responded to criminal activities around Chinese Camp in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State.
According to him, troops pursued the criminals and arrested 5 suspects as well as recovered 4 motorcycles, stolen cables and casted steel conveyor bearing balls.
“It is noteworthy to state that an estimated sum of Two Hundred and Two Million Seven Hundred and Eighty-Eight Thousand Three Hundred Naira (N202,788,300.00) was denied the oil thefts during the period in focus,” he said.
Maj.Gen. Buba emphasized that the offensive action of the military in the ongoing operations cut across various theatres.
According to him, these actions range from rescuing of civilians held hostage by terrorists, gunmen or criminals to other actions namely: terrorists neutralized, gunmen neutralized and bandits neutralized. Others include, raid on hideouts belonging to kidnappers, bandits and gunmen. It also includes destination destroyed of illegal refining sites and arrested of terrorists collaborators.
“These actions buttress the war mode of the military to crush these threats decisively. The offensive posture indicated by ongoing operations would surely cause the perpetrators of this challenges to reconsider the position.
“The military received support such as tip off, intelligence, co-operation and synergy amongst others. Base on these which many of the operations were conducted. This is indicative of the fact that the security challenges confronting us require a collective effort and therefore a collective responsibility,” he added .
