Nigerian Troops of Operation OCTOPUS GRIP carried out extensive operations in the Niger Delta region, targeting illegal activities and criminals.
The troops conducted multiple operations in Bayelsa, Delta, and River States, covering creeks, jetties, high seas, and towns.
During these operations, a total of 47 illegal refining sites, 250 storage tanks, 220 ovens, 32 dugout pits, and 31 wooden boats were discovered and destroyed.
The information was disclosed by the Director of Defence and Media Operations at the Defence Headquarters, Maj. Gen. Musa Danmadami, during a biweekly press briefing in Abuja.
He further mentioned that the troops successfully seized and recovered significant quantities of illicit items, including 186,000 litres of crude oil, 42,750 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 4,500 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, and 200 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene.
The operation led to the confiscation of 5 vehicles, 12 weapons, 296 ammunition rounds, 1 pumping machine, and 4 outboard engines. The troops also apprehended 24 individuals involved in economic sabotage.
“Cumulatively, within the weeks in focus troops in the South South zone recovered 186,000 litres of crude oil, 42,750 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 4,500 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, 200 litres Dual Purpose Kerosine, 250 storage tanks, 220 ovens, 32 dugout pits and 31 wooden boats, 1 gas welding cylinder, 1 pocking gas, 2 gas burners, 2 gas gauge, 2 adjustable spanners, 1 pumping machine, 4 outboards engines, 300 ammunitions, 15 AK47 magazines, 211 mobile phones, 3 vehicles, 100 wraps of suspected cannabis sativa, 3 and 4 pinches of substance suspected to be heroin and cocaine, 177 pinches of amphetamines and the sum of Seventeen Thousand, Three Hundred Naira (N17,300.00) only.
“Troops also arrested 65 suspected criminals. All recovered items and apprehended suspected criminals have been handed over to the relevant authority for further action”, He added.
Mr. Danmadami mentioned that a sum of N604,401,127.00 (Six Hundred and Four Million Four Hundred and One Thousand One Hundred and Twenty Seven Naira only) was withheld due to oil thefts.
“In a related development, the air component of Operation DELTA SAFE on 18 May 2023 conducted air interdiction operation at Krakrama.
The location was observed to be active with illegal refining activities. Accordingly, the location was struck, with several illegal refined products and equipment destroyed in the air strike”, He added.