Nigerian Troops Recover ₦798 Million in Stolen Crude Oil Amid Crackdown on Niger Delta Oil Theft
In a significant crackdown on oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta, Nigerian troops uncovered ₦798 million worth of stolen crude oil and dismantled a network of illicit refining operations. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, disclosed that the operations resulted in the destruction of 68 crude oil cooking ovens, 13 dugout pits, 41 boats, and 45 storage tanks.
Items Recovered and Operations Conducted
During the operation, security forces seized an array of items, including:
- Stolen Oil Products:
- 657,470 litres of crude oil.
- 127,870 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
- 5,000 litres of Dual-Purpose Kerosene (DPK).
- Equipment and Vehicles:
- Four speedboats.
- One pumping machine.
- 150 drums.
- One generator.
- Two motorcycles.
- Two mobile phones, a drone, and five vehicles.
In addition, troops dismantled 66 illegal refining sites, effectively disrupting a sophisticated oil theft network in the region.
Security Achievements
The operation also yielded significant progress in combating other forms of criminal activities. The military neutralized 148 criminals, arrested 258 suspects (including 51 directly linked to oil theft), and rescued 291 kidnapped hostages.
Weapons and Ammunition Recovered:
- 146 assorted weapons, including:
- 72 AK-47 rifles.
- 33 fabricated rifles.
- 28 Dane guns.
- Two locally made submachine guns.
- 2,599 rounds of ammunition, comprising:
- 1,596 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
- 636 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.
Other Seized Items:
- 36 motorcycles.
- 40 mobile phones.
- Three vehicles.
- ₦1.8 million in cash.
Anti-Terrorism Operations in Northern Nigeria
In addition to the operations in the Niger Delta, troops achieved significant success in the North Central region. Two suspected arms traffickers, Danweri and Abubakar Hamza, were apprehended in Bauchi State’s Alkaleri Local Government Area. The suspects are believed to have been supplying arms to terrorist groups and are currently cooperating with military investigations.
Military Commitment and Impact
According to Buba, the Nigerian military remains steadfast in its mission to dismantle criminal networks and their support systems. The ongoing operations are steadily eroding the operational capabilities of terrorist and extremist groups, while also disrupting illicit economic activities such as oil theft.
“The military is resolute in ensuring Nigeria’s safety and stability. The progress made in these operations is a testament to the dedication and effectiveness of our troops,” Buba stated.
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A Broader Perspective
The recent crackdown is part of a larger effort to combat widespread illicit activities in the Niger Delta, a region plagued by oil theft and environmental degradation caused by illegal refining. These operations not only aim to protect the nation’s economic assets but also to address the security challenges posed by the criminal networks behind these activities.
With the military gaining the upper hand, Nigeria is making strides toward securing its oil wealth and combating terrorism, reinforcing its commitment to national safety and economic stability.
