Military deactivates 216 illegal refining sites in one month

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says the troops of Operation Delta Safe destroyed 216 illegal refining sites across the Niger Delta region in October.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known while briefing newsmen on the operations of the military on Thursday in Abuja.

Buba said the troops also destroyed 195 wooden boats as well as recovered 30 vehicles and 429 assorted ammunition during the period.

He said that the troops also impounded 3.2 million litres of crude oil, 763,860 litres of Automated Gas Oil (AGO), and 12,690 litres of Premium Motor Spirits (PMS).

According to him, troop operations have progressively increased the nation’s daily crude oil production to over 1.5 million barrels per day.

“During October, troops arrested 126 persons involved in crude oil theft and recovered 429 assorted ammunition,” he said.

Buba said the troops of Operation UDO KA in the South East conducted offensive operations against IPOB/ESN terror group in several states, killing 40 terrorists, apprehending 55 suspects, and rescuing 35 kidnapped hostages.

According to him, IPOB/ESN incidents were recorded in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo, and Enugu States.

“Troops recovered 21 AK47 rifles, 24 pump action guns, 19 assorted arms, 177 live cartridges, and 191 assorted ammunition,” he added. (NAN)