Nigerian troops have reportedly made significant strides in combating oil theft and rescuing kidnapped hostages in the oil-rich Niger Delta region. According to Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, 17 individuals involved in oil theft were apprehended, and 39 kidnapped hostages were successfully rescued.
The troops prevented the theft of an estimated sum of N159,652,620.00 and took decisive actions against illegal activities in the Niger Delta area. The operations resulted in the destruction of 20 dugout pits, 29 boats, 31 storage tanks, one tricycle, and three vehicles. Additionally, 24 cooking ovens, three pump machines, and 25 illegal refining sites were dismantled.
The recovered items include 315,700 liters of stolen crude oil, 1,200 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and 3,158 liters of Dual-Purpose Kerosene (DPK). The military also seized various weapons, ammunition, and explosives during the operations.
The breakdown of weapons recovered includes 11 AK47 rifles, one FN rifle, two pump-action guns, eight locally fabricated guns, 11 dane guns, two locally fabricated pistols, one macarrol pistol, one Beretta pistol, one fabricated SMG, one locally made mortar with an empty bomb, four improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and assorted ammunition.
Furthermore, the military recovered vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, communication devices, and a significant sum of money, among other items. The operations underscore the government’s efforts to address illegal activities, safeguard the region, and rescue hostages in the Niger Delta.
