The Operation Delta Safe forces made a noteworthy accomplishment by discovering and demolishing 42 illegal refining plants in the space of one week, dealing a serious blow to illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta region. 36 wooden boats, 68 storage tanks, 77 ovens, 19 dugout pits, four speedboats, and five outboard engines were all destroyed during the operation, according to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ).
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed that 41 suspected criminals were apprehended in connection with these unlawful refining activities as a result of the troops’ tenacious efforts. Along with these arrests, the soldiers also recovered a sizeable quantity of illegal goods, including 498,650 liters of crude oil, 168,145 liters of automotive gas oil, and 4,400 liters of dual-purpose kerosene.
152 different rounds of ammo, 23 various types of weaponry, and eight AK47 magazines were among the important additional finds made during the mission by the troops. In addition, six automobiles, two Boafeng radios, an 8HP electric saw, matchsticks, an axe, and an IPOB flag dagger were seized.
In addition, Major General Edward Buba emphasized that during the one-week operation, illegal activities prevented the perpetrators from earning an estimated total of 388,441,660 Naira (388,441,660) from oil theft.
General Buba noted that the Armed Forces of Nigeria had made larger efforts to address security issues across the country and that as of July 28, 2023, the military had had substantial success in neutralizing terrorist threats. A total of 88 criminals, including 10 kidnappers, 20 gunmen, and 42 suspected oil thieves, were detained by the troops during operations carried out across several geopolitical zones. In addition, security officers successfully freed 88 prisoners who had been taken hostage.
The military have made progress in retrieving guns and ammunition in addition to stopping criminal activity; during these operations, 68 weapons and 1,364 rounds of ammunition were seized.
The military’s persistent momentum, which has surely restricted the freedom of action of those who are causing insecurity in the nation, is what General Buba credited to the military’s aggressive strategy’s effectiveness. The ongoing offensive against these nefarious forces sends a powerful message that illegal behavior will not go unpunished and that the Armed Forces will stay committed in their struggle to eliminate these dangers to national security.
Major General Edward Buba concluded by assuring the public that the military’s commitment to protecting the nation and its people is steadfast. They are steadfast in their commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the country and ensuring that all Nigerians live in a secure and tranquil environment as they carry out their offensive against criminal groups. The military’s operations demonstrate their resolve to defend the law, put a halt to illicit refining operations, and address other security issues the country is now facing.