Defense HQ: Seizes 500k+ Litres of Stolen Crude in Epic Weeklong Operation

The Defense headquarters has announced a remarkable feat in its operations, stating that over 500,000 liters of stolen crude oil were recovered within the span of just one week. Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Defense Media Operations, disclosed these significant developments on Thursday, November 23, during a press briefing in Abuja, providing insights into the military’s actions as reported by Infostride News.

In the preceding week, the troops of Operation Delta Safe demonstrated commendable efficiency, reclaiming a substantial amount of stolen crude oil, specifically totaling 578,900 liters. Additionally, they seized 454,330 liters of illegally refined diesel, commonly referred to as Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and 10,000 liters of Dual-Purpose Kerosene (DPK).

The military’s operations extended beyond recovery efforts; they actively addressed illegal activities in the Niger Delta region. A total of 50 sites engaged in the illicit refinement of oil were dismantled, and 51 individuals involved in these activities were apprehended. Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba highlighted the successful elimination of four criminals, accompanied by the confiscation of weapons and ammunition.

The anti-illegal activity operations encompassed the demolition of 245 pits used for illicit practices. In addition, the military destroyed 31 boats, 69 storage tanks, one tricycle, 23 vehicles, 162 cooking ovens, one pumping machine, and three outboard engines. These actions are integral to ongoing efforts aimed at curbing unlawful practices and maintaining security in the region.

Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, emphasizing the military’s commitment to preserving the region’s security, stated, “The maritime component of Operation Delta Safe on November 17 conducted a search and rescue operation following a distress call on a missing Cameroonian-flagged motor Fishing Vessel MFV AFKI with registration number UK12 and number AFKI 8432780. After frantic surveillance, maritime components traced and made contact with the vessel 17 nautical miles off Pennington terminal. The vessel was recovered with two foreign crew members onboard.”

Simultaneously, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) reiterated its unwavering commitment to eradicating crude oil theft in the country. In a statement dated November 22, signed by Olufemi Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPC Ltd., underscored this commitment during a presentation on the company’s operations under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

This presentation transpired at the Federation Account Allocation Committee Retreat in Asaba, Delta State, with the company’s Chief Financial Officer, Umar Ajiya, representing the GCEO. The GCEO stressed NNPC Ltd.’s firm stance against crimes that negatively impact the nation’s energy security, highlighting the importance of industry-wide collaboration to address the problem.

The collaborative efforts have yielded positive results, with numerous illegal operations related to crude oil and product pipelines being thwarted, and several offenders brought to justice. The security operations primarily focus on halting both crude oil theft and pipeline damage, aligning with the overarching goal of boosting the country’s crude oil production, increasing revenues, ensuring energy security, and contributing to economic growth. This initiative is pivotal in safeguarding the nation’s resources and fostering overall prosperity.