Military Recovers Over N736m From Oil Thieves, Rescue 188 Hostages

The Military has recovered over N736m from oil thieves, sabotaging the economy in the Niger Delta Region (NDR) of the country.

The military on Friday, noted that its troops recovered 71 illegal refining sites and destroyed nine dugout pits, 35 boats, four speedboats, 32 drums and 57 storage tanks.

At least 45 suspects of oil theft were arrested in the past week, according to the military.

The troops further recovered items including 788,400 litres of stolen crude oil, 28,995 litres of illegally refined AGO, 300 litres of DPK and 3,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

In its operation against terrorists and violent extremists, the military said a total of 159 terrorists were killed, 174 suspects were arrested and 188 hostages were rescued.

Also, troops recovered 151 assorted weapons and 12,401 assorted ammunition.

The Military gave a breakdown of the exhibit yo including “3 PKT guns, one SLR, 92 AK47 rifles, 25 fabricated rifles, 15 Dane guns, 4 pump action guns, 4 locally made pistols, one pistol, 2 RPG tubes, one RPG bomb, 66 AK47 magazines, one FN magazine, 2 locally fabricated hand grenades.

“Others are 10,346 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,094 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 92 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 479 rounds of PKT ammo, 182 rounds of MG ammo, 43 rounds of 9.5mm ammo, 12 rounds of 9mm ammo, 35 live cartridges, 35 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo, 2 baofeng radios, 15 vehicles, 39 motorcycles, 28 mobile phones and the sum of N5,386,200.00 only amongst other items.”

The military high command thereafter stated that the armed forces are taking resolute steps in ending terrorism and insecurity in the country, through ongoing operations.

In the Edo Election scheduled for Saturday, September 21, the military said its presence is to support the police to ensure voters’ safety and security.

“Troops are strategically deployed to ensure that the off-cycle Governorship election scheduled for 21 Sep 24 in Edo State is violence-free, fair and credible.

“Accordingly, troops presence is to thwart the activities of those elements bent on fomenting crisis during the elections.”