On Thursday, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) provided a detailed report on the ongoing military operations across Nigeria, revealing significant successes achieved by the troops of Operation Delta Safe in October. According to the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, a total of 216 illegal oil refining sites were destroyed in the Niger Delta region. This aggressive crackdown on illicit refining activities is part of the military’s efforts to curb illegal oil trade and environmental degradation.
In addition to dismantling these illegal sites, the military operations also led to the destruction of 195 wooden boats commonly used in the illegal oil trade. The troops recovered 30 vehicles, highlighting the ongoing efforts to disrupt the supply chains used by criminal groups involved in oil theft. During the operations, an impressive 3.2 million litres of crude oil, 763,860 litres of Automated Gas Oil (AGO), and 12,690 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) were impounded, further limiting the activities of illegal refiners and oil thieves in the region.
These efforts, according to Buba, have helped to increase Nigeria’s daily crude oil production to over 1.5 million barrels per day, a significant boost for the country’s oil sector. Additionally, 126 individuals were arrested for their involvement in crude oil theft, and 429 assorted ammunition were recovered during the operations, marking a successful period of enforcement.
In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA intensified their offensive against the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), with notable successes. Over the course of the month, the military killed 40 terrorists linked to these groups in states such as Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo, and Enugu. In addition to the casualties inflicted on the IPOB/ESN, 55 suspects were apprehended, and 35 kidnapped victims were rescued.
The military also seized a significant cache of weapons and ammunition during their operations. This included 21 AK-47 rifles, 24 pump-action shotguns, 19 assorted firearms, 177 live cartridges, and 191 rounds of ammunition. These coordinated efforts reflect the military’s commitment to restoring peace and security across the country by targeting both criminal elements in the Niger Delta and militant groups in the South East.
