Troops Destroy 57 Illegal Refineries, Arrest 16 Suspects

Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe as well as other operations in the South-South zone discovered and destroyed 57 illegal refining sites, 27 wooden boats, 158 storage tanks, 149 ovens and eight dugout pits.

The director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Musa Danmadami who stated this during the update on armed forces of Nigeria operations between 1-15 June 2023 said troops also arrested 16 suspected economic saboteurs and recovered 122,600 litres of crude oil, 89,850 litrers of AGO, 7 vehicles, 18 pumping machines, one outboard engine, one speedboat, six assorted ammunitions, one weapon and one tricycle.

General Danmadami said N82,445,150 were denied the economic saboteurs during the period in focus.

He said all recovered items and arrested suspects have been handed over to the relevant authority for further action.

Meanwhile, in the South East, he said troops of “Operation Udo Ka” neutralised two criminals, arrested eight suspected criminals and rescued one kidnapped civilian.

The troops also arrested 17 illegal miners and recovered four excavators, 7 tippers trucks, one generating set, six AGO jerrycans, two motorcycles, two vehicles, one locally made pistol, one pump action rifle, two cartridges, six mobile phones, one digital camera, one tricycle among other sundry items.

He said all recovered items, apprehended suspects and rescued civilians have been handed over to the relevant authority for further action.