The Defence Headquarters says troops of Operation Delta Safe have destroyed no fewer than 53 illegal refining sites and arrested 81 suspected oil thieves and other criminals in sustained operations across the Niger Delta region in January.

The director of defence media operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, made this known on Friday in Abuja while briefing newsmen on the operations of the armed forces in January.

Mr Onoja said the troops responded to multiple distress calls linked to sea piracy, illegal refining, and other criminal activities during the period under review.

He said the troops also recovered assorted arms and ammunition while dismantling several illicit refining camps across the region.

According to him, further offensive operations were conducted in the Ini and Essien Udim Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom, as well as the Okpe Local Government Area of Delta, where five additional suspects were arrested and weapons recovered.

“As part of efforts to curb crude oil theft, the air component of Operation Delta Safe carried out armed reconnaissance missions over Bakana and Abuloma towns.

“During the missions, a large barge was observed siphoning petroleum products and was subsequently engaged,” he said.

Mr Onoja said that over 80 militants surrendered to troops, while eight Cameroonian nationals were rescued during cross-border patrols along the Bakassi waterways during the period.

In the South-East, he said the troops of Operation UDO KA sustained operations against terrorists, militants, and other criminal elements across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States.

He said the troops neutralised some terrorists, apprehended 22 suspects and rescued 11 kidnapped victims, with arms and ammunition recovered during various operations.

According to him, security assessments indicate a significant reduction in crime rates across the South-East compared to previous months, reflecting the effectiveness of sustained military pressure and non-kinetic engagements.

He reiterated the military’s unwavering commitment to ongoing operations across all theatres, assuring citizens of continued professionalism, inter-agency cooperation, and resolve to restore peace and stability nationwide.

(NAN)