Troops Foil N15.6m Oil Theft, Arrest Gunrunners, Impostors
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Troops Foil N15.6m Oil Theft, Arrest Gunrunners, Impostors
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
Troops of the Nigerian Military have foiled oil theft valued at over N15.6 million and arrested suspected gunrunners and impostors during operations in the South-South, South-East and South-West regions.
The Defence Headquarters disclosed this in a statement signed by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja on Monday.
According to the statement, troops of Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe operating in Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers and Imo states recovered more than 65,000 litres of stolen crude oil and refined petroleum products, including Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), valued at N15,697,975.
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“Troops foiled oil theft worth over Fifteen Million, Six Hundred and Ninety-Seven Thousand, Nine Hundred and Seventy-Five Naira during the week, while three illegal refining sites were discovered and destroyed,” Onoja said.
He added that five suspected oil thieves were arrested during the operations, while further ground offensives and air reconnaissance were conducted in parts of Bayelsa, Rivers and Delta states.
During the operations, nine suspects were arrested, including three alleged gunrunners found in possession of arms and ammunition.
He added that the suspects are currently undergoing interrogation.
In the South East, Onoja said troops of Operation UDO KA arrested four suspected criminals during operations in Ihiala, Ogbaru and Onitsha North local government areas of Anambra State.
Meanwhile, troops acting on intelligence reports apprehended two suspects in Edo State for allegedly impersonating the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W. Shaibu.
“Apprehended criminals are currently in troops’ custody undergoing investigation before being handed over to appropriate authorities for further action,” he said.
Onoja reaffirmed the military’s resolve to sustain operational momentum nationwide and called on Nigerians to support security agencies.
“This is a time for collective responsibility and solidarity. With the continued support of the government and the cooperation of the public, the military will persist in its efforts to secure the nation and ensure lasting peace and stability,” he said.
