By Emmanuel Obisue
In its sustained drive to rid the Niger Delta region of oil thieves, Nigerian troops have destroyed illegally refined oil products worth over N128million within the last two weeks.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Musa Danmadami, made this known in Abuja on Thursday, during the bi-weekly briefing on troops activities and operational successes in the various operational theaters within the six geo-political zones of the country between the period of January 26 – February 9.
He informed that Nigerian troops in collaboration with other security agencies neutralized a total of 81 terrorists, arrested 176 others, recovered 16 AK47rifles and 102 stolen cows.
Danmadami disclosed that a total of 340 terrorists and members of their families also surrendered, while 59 kidnapped civilians were rescued from their adductors.
In the South-South region, Danmadami said troops discovered and destroyed 40 illegal refining sites, 136 storage facilities, 66 ovens, 39 wooden boats, one generator, 11 vehicles and 2 tricycles.
“Additionally, troops recovered 222,000 litres of suspected crude oil, 83,000 litres of illegal refined Automotive Gas Oil and 1000 litres of Dual-Purpose Kerosene while 53 suspected economic saboteurs were arrested,” he said.
“Cumulatively, within the period under review, troops in the North East region recovered 2 GPMG, 1 AK47, 13 dane guns, 3 AK47 Magazines, one bandolier, 316 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm PKT ammunition, 37 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one 36 hand grenade , 77 rounds of belted 7.62mm NATO ammo, one belted 18 x 7.62mm x51mm ball ammo, 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 2 jack knives, 11 bicycles, 1 vehicle,1 motorcycle, 20 wraps of cannabis, the sum of N77,260 as well as a vehicle loaded with food items and other sundry items.
“Troops equally neutralized 56 terrorists, arrested 17 terrorists and 9 Boko terrorist logistics suppliers. Troops also rescued 59 civilians while a total of 340 terrorist and members of their families, comprising 12 adult males, 133 adult females and 195 children surrendered to troops at different locations of the North East theatre of operation. All recovered items, apprehended criminals and rescued civilians were handed over to the appropriate authority for further action while captured terrorists and surrendered Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province and members of their families are been profiled for further action,” he added.
