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The military newly launched operation Octopus Grip’’ in the Niger Delta to curb the growing oil theft, illegal refining and vandalism in the country has sustained pressure on economic saboteurs and other criminal elements which has significantly reduce the oil thieves freedom of action.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Bernard Onyeuko made this known on Thursday during operational briefing of of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Police and other security agencies. The security situation across the six geo-political zones between 19 May - 2 June 2022 held at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja.
Onyeuko said, operation OCTOPUS GRIP in conjunction with Operation DELTA SAFE which is expected to last for 3 months, conducted operational activities in creeks, towns and communities in locations such as Mosogar, Jesse, Warri Road in Eihiope West Local Government Area, Banga, Modangho creek in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.
"Other locations are Okubotowa creek in Akassa Brass Local Government Area, Ikebiri Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
"Other areas include Gawthrone channel in Bonny Local Government Area of River State, Akpabiyo Local Government Area in Cross River State and Effiat water ways Ibaka in Akwa Ibom State" he noted.
Onyeuko within the period under review, troops discovered and destroyed 40 illegal refineries, 165 metal storage tanks, 72 ovens, 23 dug out pits, 5 wooden boats, Also, recovered are One Million One Hundred and Seven Thousand Four Hundred (1,107,400) litres of crude oil, Four Hundred and Fifty Six Thousand Four Hundred and Fifty (456,450) litres of AGO, Six Thousand Two Hundred and Fifty (6,250) litres of PMS, 6 trucks, 3 outbound engines, 1 AK 47 rifles, troops also apprehended 21 criminal elements.
All recovered items and apprehended criminals were handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.