By Victor Akaa.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Thursday, said the ongoing military operations against oil theft in the Niger Delta have resulted in a substantial increase in Nigeria’s oil production capacity.
Briefing newsmen on a weekly report on ongoing military operations in collaboration with other security agencies in Abuja, General Buba noted that the Joint Task Force Operation DELTA SAFE has achieved notable successes including the destruction of 119 illegal refining sites, recovery of over 1.2 million litres of stolen crude oil, and apprehension of 17 suspected oil thieves.
This development comes after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, to address the issue of crude oil theft and vandalism in the Niger Delta region of the country in the shortest possible time.
The President emphasised the need to overcome this challenge to boost oil production in the country.
General highlighted the success of Operation DELTA SAFE in the South-South region, where troops destroyed several illegal refining sites, recovered stolen products, and conducted offensive and counter/anti-kidnapping operations.
He emphasised that Operation DELTA SAFE has been making significant strides against crude oil theft, destroying 119 illegal refining sites, the recovery of 1,270,650 litres of stolen crude oil, and the apprehending of 17 suspected oil thieves.
The Director also commended the air component of the operation, noting that it has conducted successful air interdiction missions, destroying illegal refining sites and canoes in Degema LGA of Rivers State.
In addition to Operation DELTA SAFE, other operations across the country have yielded positive results.
General Buba said in the North East, Operation HADIN KAI has neutralized 55 terrorists, arrested 39 suspects, and rescued 27 kidnapped hostages. Troops have also recovered 42 AK47 rifles and other ammunition.
In the North Central, Operation SAFE HAVEN has neutralized 9 insurgents, arrested 31 violent extremists, and rescued 11 kidnapped hostages. Troops have also recovered 3 AK47 rifles and other ammunition.
While in the North West, Operation HADARIN DAJI has neutralized 35 terrorists, arrested 8 terrorists, and rescued 21 kidnapped hostages. Troops have also recovered 13 AK47 rifles and other ammunition.
Operation UDO KA in the South East has neutralized 13 terrorists, arrested 23 violent extremists, and rescued 9 kidnapped hostages. Troops have also recovered 8 pump action guns and other ammunition.
Conclusively, the Nigerian military has achieved significant success in its operations across the country, resulting in a monumental surge in oil production. The efforts of the troops have led to the destruction of illegal refining sites, the recovery of stolen products, and the apprehension of suspected oil thieves.
General Edward Buba commended the troops for their gallantry and professionalism, stating that their efforts have significantly contributed to the improvement of security in the country.
