Troops engaged in operations against oil thieves and bunkerers in the Niger Delta region have seized N869,283,765.00 worth of stolen petroleum products over the past week. The operation also led to the destruction of 22 illegal refining sites and the arrest of 49 oil thieves and bunkerers.
According to the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen Markus Kangye, the troops recovered 325,990 litres of stolen crude, 24,645 litres of illegally refined diesel, 19,500 litres of petrol, and 1,600 litres of engine oil. The operation saw the discovery and destruction of 86 crude oil cooking ovens, 181 dugout pits, 25 boats, a speedboat, 18 storage tanks, 316 drums, and several illegal refining sites.
In addition to the oil theft operations, troops involved in the fight against Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) terrorists successfully killed IPOB leader Nkwachi Eze, aka Onowu, in a firefight during operations in Uzo-Uwani and Ndoni local government areas of Enugu and Rivers states. The troops also arrested several extremists, rescued three kidnapped victims, and recovered an assortment of weapons and explosives.
On operations in the North West, the military apprehended two suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group in Kebbi and Sokoto States, recovering weapons, a motorcycle, and N4,450. In the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai conducted offensive operations across several states, killing and apprehending terrorists while recovering weapons, ammunition, and explosives. Notably, nine terrorists’ logistics suppliers were intercepted, and N235,330 was recovered from them.
The operation in Borno State saw troops successfully repel an attack by ISWAP/JAS terrorists, neutralizing several attackers and recovering weapons. The military also reported that a significant number of terrorists surrendered to troops between April 4 and 9.
These ongoing operations reflect the military's efforts to combat terrorism, illegal oil theft, and the protection of national security across Nigeria.
