Oil theft worth over N31m Foiled by Troops– DHQ
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that troops have foiled thefts of crude oil amounting to over ₦31 million.
It also said troops rescued over 60 kidnapped victims and neutralized dozens of terrorists.
Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), made this known in a weekly operational report.
He aaid troops of Operation DELTA SAFE, tasked with safeguarding oil infrastructure in the South-South region, disrupted multiple illegal refining operations. Recovered petroleum products were valued at ₦31.4 million.
Among the recovered items were 77,530 litres of stolen crude oil, 10,340 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 2,700 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and 1,240 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
He disclosed that troops discovered and destroyed 27 illegal refining sites and dismantled equipment including storage tanks, boats, barges, and crude oil cooking ovens. Twenty-seven suspects were arrested, and arms, ammunition, and other logistics were recovered.
Major General Kangye said in the North East, troops under Operation HADIN KAI continued to put pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, leading to the surrender of dozens of insurgents — including men, women, and children — between May 30 and June 4.
“Coordinated offensives in key Borno State locations such as Dikwa, Gwoza, Bama, Kondugga, Damboa, and Abadam resulted in the killing of several terrorists, the arrest of six suspects, and the rescue of 22 kidnapped persons,” he said.
He disclosed that further operations in Biu, Mobbar, and Gwoza Local Government Areas (LGAs) between May 30 and June 2 led to the elimination of more terrorists and the rescue of 16 additional hostages.
“Notably, 12 kidnapped persons managed to escape from terrorist camps around Tumbun Dilla in Kukawa LGA, aided by non-kinetic efforts.
“Troops also arrested 16 collaborators, including logistics suppliers and a drug peddler, in Damaturu, Yunusari, and Geidam LGAs of Yobe State, as well as in Damboa, Konduga, Gwoza, and Kaga LGAs of Borno State. Recovered items included motorcycles, mobile phones, Improvised Explosive Device (IED) materials, and ₦38,900 in cash,” he said.
