The Defence Headquarters says the troops of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) have destroyed 47 illegal refining sites and apprehended 65 suspected oil thieves and other criminals in the last two weeks.

The Director, Defence Media Operation, Maj.-Gen. Musa Danmadami, made the disclosure at the bi-weekly news conference on the operations of the armed forces in Abuja on Thursday, June 1.

Danmadami said the troops sustained the tempo in the war against oil theft, illegal refineries, and other criminal activities through aggressive raid, patrol as well as clearance operations amongst others.

He said the troops recovered 186,000 litres of crude oil, 42,750 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 4,500 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise known as petrol, and 200 litres Dual Purpose Kerosine.

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The Defence spokesman disclosed that 250 storage tanks, 220 ovens, 32 dugout pits, 31 wooden boats, one gas welding cylinder, and one pocking gas were recovered.

He listed other items recovered to include two gas burners, two gas gauge, two adjustable spanners, one pumping machine, and four outboards engines.

Danmadami said the troops also recovered 300 ammunition, 15 AK47 magazines, 211 mobile phones, three vehicles, 100 wraps of suspected cannabis sativa, three and four pinches among others.

He said the troops, on May 18, raided a suspected criminals house at Ibaa community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The Defence spokesperson stated: “All recovered items and apprehended suspected criminals have been handed over to the relevant authority for further action.

“Equally, it is worthy to mention that a total of N604.4 million was denied the oil thieves.

“The air component on May 18, conducted air interdiction operation at Krakrama active with illegal refining activities.

“Accordingly, the location was struck, with several illegal refined products and equipment destroyed in the air strike.”

The Star