The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reported significant progress in the fight against crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, resulting in a noticeable increase in Nigeria’s crude oil production. The military, under the leadership of Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations (DMO), has intensified its operations against oil thieves in the South-South region, successfully thwarting attempts to steal oil worth over N900 million.
At a recent media briefing, Major General Buba provided an update on the ongoing military operations, highlighting the achievements of the troops. According to him, the troops discovered and destroyed numerous illegal oil refining sites and equipment, including 15 dugout pits, 17 boats, 62 drums, 27 storage tanks, and 84 illegal refining sites. Additionally, they recovered substantial quantities of stolen crude oil and illegally refined products, including 920,800 liters of stolen crude oil, 88,760 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and 7,500 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
The operations also led to the seizure of various equipment used in the illegal oil trade, such as 32 cooking ovens, 2 outboard engines, 2 pumping machines, 2 vehicles, one tricycle, and 3 motorcycles. Major General Buba emphasized that these efforts are part of the military’s broader strategy to dismantle criminal networks involved in oil theft and other illegal activities in the region.
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In addition to the crackdown on oil theft, the military has continued its onslaught against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements across the country. Within the period under review, troops recovered 74 assorted weapons and 3,498 rounds of ammunition, including AK-47 rifles, RPG bombs, and fabricated guns. The military also neutralized 147 criminals, arrested 381 suspects, and rescued 113 kidnapped hostages.
Major General Buba also highlighted the surrender of 135 Boko Haram (BH) and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists and their families in Borno State. The surrendering individuals included 24 adult males, 34 adult females, and 77 children, who gave themselves up to the military in various locations.
The Director of Defence Media Operations reiterated the military’s commitment to eliminating threats to national security, stating that the country is safer today due to the successes recorded in recent operations. He called on Nigerians to continue supporting the military and other security agencies in their efforts to combat insecurity.
During the media briefing, Major General Buba reassured the public that the military remains focused on its mission to defeat and eliminate the enemy, no matter where they may be hiding. He provided detailed figures on the military’s achievements, including the neutralization of 81 terrorists, the arrest of 52 suspects, and the rescue of 34 kidnapped hostages within a week.
The military’s efforts in the Niger Delta and across the country demonstrate its resolve to protect Nigeria’s resources and ensure the safety and security of its citizens. With the continued support of the public and other stakeholders, the DHQ is confident that it will achieve even greater success in the fight against oil theft, terrorism, and other forms of criminality.
