Over 120 illegal miners have been arrested, while one criminal was neutralised by the troops of Operation DELTA SAFE in the South-South Region of the country.
Director Defence Media Operation, Major General Markus Kangye disclosed this today at the bi-weekly media briefing on military Operational activities during the week under review, the land component of the Armed Forces conducted joint operations with the ONSA team, security agencies and hybrid forces respectively.
According to Maj.Gen Kangye troops in separate offensive operations between 7 – 10 February 2025, made contact with criminals in Yakkur and Mbo LGAs of Cross River and A/Ibom States, as well as Ahoada East and Emohua LGAs of Rivers States.
They recovered 3 dane guns, one AK47 rifle, one grenade, 7 live cartridges, one vehicle and 4 mobile phones among others.
Troops also arrested 9 pipeline vandals and other criminal elements in Ekeremor LGA of Bayelsa State and Ethiope East and Ugheli LGAs of Delta State, while others were areested in Onelga LGA of Rivers State. They also recovered one dane gun, 3 pump actions, 54 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 3 motorcycles.
42 illegal refining sites were discovered and destroyed by troops of Delta Safe. while 23 suspected oil thieves and other violent extremists were arrested. Troops also recovered 2 baofeng radios, 2 magazines, 9 assorted arms and 162 assorted ammunitions.
They recovered 497,152 litres of stolen crude oil, 142,000 litres of illegally refined AGO and 4,075 litres of PMS. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 164 crude oil cooking ovens, 37 dugout pits, 19 boats, 16 storage tanks, 38 drums and 42 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include 3 pumping machines, 4 tricycles, 7 motorcycles, 5 mobile phones and 3 vehicles among others.
On 6 February 2025, following credible intelligence, troops arrested one notorious criminal identified as Uwem Asuquo in Ini LGA of Akwa Ibom State. One locally made single barrel gun, one locally made pistol, 2 mobile phones and one human skull were recovered from the criminal.
Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE maintained momentum against the activities of crude oil thieves. Troops destroyed several illegal refining sites and recovered stolen products.