Troops of Operation Delta Safe in the conduct of Operation Octopus Grip and other operations in the South South zone within the last two weeks discovered and destroyed 74 illegal refining sites, 341 storage tanks, 31 wooden boats, 260 ovens and 15 dugout pits, the Director, Defence Media, Major General, Musa Danmadami has disclosed.
The Director who disclosed this at press briefing by the Directorate of Defence Media Operations on military operations held at Defence Headquarters, on Thursday, in Abuja, said troops also recovered 209,000 litres of crude oil, 145,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 4,500 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, 27 variety of weapons, 468 assorted ammunition, 2 speed boats, 2 outboard engine, 8 vehicles and 4 motorcycles while a total of 71 criminals were arrested.
According to him, all recovered items and apprehended suspects have been handed over to the appropriate authority for further action.
Speaking further, he noted that the war against oil theft, illegal refineries and other criminal activities in the Niger Delta have continued to yield results.
“Troops of Joint Task Force Operation DELTA SAFE and other operations in the South South region of the country have continued to sustain the war against oil theft, illegal refineries and other criminal activities in the Niger Delta through aggressive patrols, raids and clearance operations amongst other activities.
“Operations were conducted at the creeks, waterways, high sea, towns and cities of Bayelsa, Delta, River State, Cross River and Akwa Ibom state respectively, which yielded appreciable results.
“Precisely, on 25 February 2023, troops on fighting patrol at Obudu town, Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State arrested a suspected cult leader of Vikings confraternity at his residence. Troops search his residence and recovered 1 model MP-25 auto pistol, 1 round of 7.62mm special ammunition, one cartridge and a mobile phone.
” Equally, following credible intelligent, troops on patrol at Ikono and Ogoja Local Government Areas of Cross River State intercepted 2 buses and arrested 11 suspected criminals as well as recovered 5 pistols, 4 locally made pistols, 26 cartridges, 1 dane gun and 2 machetes.
“Also, on 6 March 2023, troops conducted cordon and search operation at the residence of a community leader at within Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State. The search was base on credible intelligence on illegal possession of arms and ammunition. Following the operation, troops arrested 2 suspects and recovered 3 locally made guns, 27 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 2 G3 rifle magazines, 1 G3 rifle butt and 1 cleaning rod”, he stated.
