Troops destroy 34 illegal refining sites, kill 39 terrorists, apprehends 149
By Anthonia Okwuolise
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Thursday, said the troops of Operation Delta Safe, uncovered and destroyed, 34 illegal refining sites, 71 dugout pits, 36 boats, 83 storage tanks, five vehicles, four motorcycles, 58 cooking ovens, five pumping machines, three generators, and three speedboats.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, who made this disclosure while briefing Defence Correspondent in Abuja, also revealed that no fewer than 39 terrorists were killed, while, 149 were apprehended in different theatres of operations.
He said, troops, also, recovered 569,400 litres of stolen crude oil, 486,000 litres of illegally refined AGO and 59,500 litres of PMS.
According to him, “Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE sustained the momentum against the activities of crude oil theft. Troops destroyed several illegal refining sites and recovered stolen products. Troops also intercepted and destroyed vehicles loaded with illegal refined
products in Ughelli and Eleme LGAs of Delta and Rivers State respectively.
On 22 and 23 August 2023, troops intercepted vehicles loaded with
illegally refined AGO in Ughelli and Eleme LGAs of Delta and Rivers States. Troops moved vehicles to a safe place and subsequently destroyed”.
On 21 Aug 23, the air component, he said, conducted air interdictions over
active illegal refining sites at Abisse and Idama.
The targets, he also noted were engaged with cannons and rockets that destroyed the equipment and reservoirs.
“Additionally, air component
destroyed a boat fully loaded with illegally refined products sighted within the gen area. The boat was attacked with rockets,” he further disclosed.
On troops of Operations Hadin Kai, he disclosed the ambush of suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists, adding that between 21 and 23 August 2023, in two separate operations troops ambushed BH/ISWAP at Pulka and Firgi in Gwoza LGA of Borno State.
During the firefight, Major General Buba, said, troops killed four terrorists while others fled.
He noted that on 23 August 2023, troops while on fighting patrol apprehended five terrorists comprising three male terrorist combatants and two children in Gwoza LGA of Borno State.
“Troops recovered two AK47 rifles, 10 AK47 rifle magazines, nine rounds of 7.62 mm Special (refilled ammo), one bandolier and the sum of Five Hundred and Nine Thousand Three Hundred Naira (₦509,300.00) only,” he said.
He explained: “Troops of Operation Hadin Kai ambushed and arrested BH/ISWAP terrorists in Gwoza and Tarmuwa LGAs of Borno and Yobe States respectfully. Troops offensive led to the surrender of some BH/ISWAP terrorist combatants at Gwoza LGAs of Borno State and resulted in eliminated terrorists, rescued kidnapped hostages, and recovery of arms and ammunitions”.
