Nigerian military destroys 145 illegal refineries in Niger Delta –DHQ

Defense Headquarters says Operation Delta Safe troops immobilized 145 illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta region between May 2021 and January 6.

Acting Director, Defense Media Operations, Major General. Bernard Onyeuko said this on Thursday in Abuja while providing an update on military operations in the region.

Onyeuko said troops immobilized 209 ovens, 122 cooking pots/boilers, 161 cooling systems, 224 warehouses, 160 large pits and 367 storage tanks at the sites.

He added that 12.8 million litres of illegally refined diesel were recovered in the period, as well as 29,237 barrels and 6.49 million litres of stolen crude.

According to him, the troops also seized 3.9 million litres of kerosene and 10.2 million litres of illegally refined gasoline.

“In addition, the troops recovered 33 assorted weapons, 5,268 cartridges of different ammunition calibres and 21 AK-47 rifle magazines.

“The troops also seized 3,110 50 kg bags of foreign smuggled parboiled rice, 662 pieces of galvanized pipes, 32 tanker trucks and 119 wooden boats used for the illegal supply of oil.

In addition, 41 kidnapped victims were rescued, while 77 criminal elements associated with pipeline vandalism, piracy, illegal oil supply and armed robbery were arrested within the period.

“All the arrested criminals and the recovered items have been turned over to the relevant security agencies for further action,” he said.

Onyeuko also told reporters that Operation AWATSE troops in the southwest fighting pipeline hooligans and economic spoilers managed to prevent criminal activities during the period under review.

He said troops seized 1.5 million litres of illegally refined gasoline, 9,345 barrels of stolen crude and 355,000 litres of illegally refined diesel.

According to him, the troops recovered 1,594 rounds of ammunition and 14 assorted rifles in the region.

“Likewise, in the period 15 illegal refineries were immobilized, while 12 vessels and 13 trucks engaged in illegal activities were seized.

“Along the same lines, in the period 15 kidnapped civilians were rescued in the southwest region, while 28 criminal elements were arrested,” added Onyeuko.