Military Seizes-Over 4 Million Litres Of Stolen-Crude In May, Says Defence-Headquarters

Military  Seizes-Over 4 Million Litres Of Stolen-Crude In May, Says Defence-Headquarters

Abuja, Nigeria – The Defence Headquarters has announced that troops of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) seized 4,124,970 litres of stolen crude oil in May as part of a military campaign against oil theft in the Niger Delta region.

In addition to the crude oil, the troops recovered 793,796 litres of diesel and 4,480 litres of petrol from oil thieves. This information was disclosed by Maj Gen Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, during a press briefing on Thursday, May 30, in Abuja.

Maj Gen Buba reported that during operations across the country in the past month, troops killed 624 terrorists, arrested 1,051 criminals, including their logistic suppliers and informants, and rescued 563 kidnap victims. Additionally, troops seized 707 assorted weapons and 16,487 rounds of assorted ammunition.

The recovered weapons included 411 AK-47 rifles, 234 locally fabricated guns, 43 pump-action guns, and 231 dane guns. The ammunition seized comprised 10,782 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4,310 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 1,623 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 1,023 rounds of 9mm, and 2,100 live cartridges.

Maj Gen Buba credited the success of the operations to the joint operational environment and synergy between security and intelligence agencies, which have significantly enhanced the performance of the troops.

“Troops are making admirable progress in the ongoing counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations across the country and will continue until the terrorists are completely decimated,” he said.

He emphasized that the progress achieved is due to the combined efforts of eliminating terrorist leaders, commanders, and combatants, as well as disrupting their logistics, administrative, and fighting capabilities. This comprehensive strategy aims to destroy the will of the terrorists and their supporters to continue fighting.

Maj Gen Buba also noted the tremendous institutional and popular support the troops have received, which has bolstered their stamina and commitment to eradicating terrorism in Nigeria.