The Nigerian military's Operation Delta Safe has successfully deactivated 98 illicit refining sites.
This operation, conducted over the past week, was announced by Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, during a briefing in Abuja.
The military's efforts led to the dismantling of 49 crude oil cooking ovens, 11 dugout pits, and 72 boats, alongside the seizure of 21 drums used in illegal operations.
In addition, troops confiscated a staggering 1.09 million litres of stolen crude oil and 873,510 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). The crackdown is estimated to have denied oil thieves approximately N1.2 billion in potential revenue.
Major General Buba emphasized the significance of these actions, stating, "Our troops have made substantial progress in disrupting illegal refining activities that undermine Nigeria's economy and security."
Beyond the deactivation of refining sites, the operation also resulted in the arrest of 39 suspected oil thieves and violent extremists.
Among those apprehended were five individuals suspected of being pipeline vandals, including a militant leader identified as Mr. Eddy Edidiemokuma Korokoro, captured in Delta and Bayelsa states.
The military's efforts extended to rescuing four kidnapped hostages and recovering an array of arms and ammunition, including two AK47 rifles, a locally fabricated rifle, and three smoke grenade launchers.
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