Nigerian military deactivates 216 illegal refining sites, kill 40 IPOB terrorists

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Thursday revealed that troops of Operation Delta Safe destroyed about 216 illegal refining sites across the Niger Delta region in October.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known while briefing newsmen on the operations of the military in Abuja.

Buba said the troops also destroyed 195 wooden boats as well as recovered 30 vehicles and 429 assorted ammunition during the period.

He said that the troops also impounded 3.2 million litres of crude oil, 763,860 litres of Automated Gas Oil (AGO) and 12,690 litres of Premium Motor Spirits (PMS).

According to him, the operations have progressively increased the nation’s daily crude oil production to over 1.5 million barrels per day.

“During October, troops arrested 126 persons involved in crude oil theft and recovered 429 assorted ammunition,” he said.

Buba also said troops of Operation UDOKA in the South East conducted offensive operations against the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and its security wing, the Eastern Security Network, ESN, in several states, killing 40 terrorists.

He said the troops apprehended 55 suspects and rescued 35 kidnapped hostages.

According to him, IPOB/ESN incidents were recorded in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo and Enugu states.

“Troops recovered 21 AK-47 rifles, 24 pump action guns, 19 assorted arms, 177 live cartridges and 191 assorted ammunition,” he added.