Troops Bust Oil Thieves, Free Foreign Captives
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Troops Bust Oil Thieves, Free Foreign Captives
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Nigerian military has uncovered and destroyed 20 illegal oil refining sites, arrested dozens of suspected oil thieves and rescued foreign nationals abducted by sea pirates in operations across the South-South and South-East.
Major General Michael Onoja disclosed this in a statement on Monday, detailing the operational activities of the troops across the country.
He said troops under Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe, foiled several crude oil theft attempts in Bayelsa, Delta, Imo and Rivers states during the period under review.
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“Twenty illegal refining sites were dismantled, while 31 suspected oil thieves and other criminals were arrested. Assorted arms and ammunition were also recovered,” Onoja said.
He added that further operations conducted earlier in January in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State and Yenagoa in Bayelsa State led to the arrest of two additional suspects and recovery of weapons.
In the South-East, Onoja said troops of Operation Udo Ka rescued eight Cameroonian nationals kidnapped by sea pirates along the Ikang waterways in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State.
He added that three suspected criminals were arrested during separate operations in Ogburu Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The Defence spokesman further disclosed that about 80 militants voluntarily surrendered their arms and ammunition to troops in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State under an ongoing amnesty programme.
The militants were said to be members of two camps led by Thankgod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha, and John Isaac, popularly called Akpokolo.
Onoja urged the media to continue to support national security efforts through responsible reportage, while assuring Nigerians that the military remains committed to safeguarding lives, property and the country’s territorial integrity.
