Crime

Military Seizes Over One Million Litres of Stolen Crude and Dismantles 72 Illegal Refineries in a Week

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 10th, 2024.

Military Seizes Over One Million Litres of Stolen Crude and Dismantles 72 Illegal Refineries in a Week

In a recent crackdown on oil theft in the Niger Delta, military forces confiscated 1,133,800 litres of stolen crude oil, 228,770 litres of illegally refined diesel, and 20,000 litres of petrol over the past week. Additionally, they dismantled 76 illegal refineries, 487 dugout pits, 32 boats, and 12 storage tanks.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen. Edward Buba, revealed these details in a statement issued yesterday. He also reported that the military arrested 32 oil thieves and rescued 214 hostages during various operations.

In the past week, the troops neutralized 108 terrorists and apprehended 172 criminals. They also seized 66 weapons and over 4,000 rounds of ammunition. The weaponry included one Dushka, one MG, two GPMGs, one RPG launcher, one RPG bomb, one AK56 rifle, 37 AK47 rifles, four MRAPs, two GTs, three fabricated rifles, six Dane guns, three homemade pistols, six magazines, one bandolier, and two HH radios.

The seized ammunition comprised 313 rounds of 7.62mm PKT, 2,362 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 699 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 201 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm, 503 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm, nine live cartridges, and one belt of NATO ammo, among other items.

Gen. Buba assured that the military remains vigilant and prepared to address emerging threats, particularly those linked to recent violent protests. He affirmed the military’s commitment to maintaining national stability and upholding constitutional responsibilities.