The Defense Headquarters (DHQ) says Operation Delta Safe troops have in the last two weeks discovered and destroyed 89 illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta region.
The Director of Defense Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, made this known on Thursday in Abuja while giving an update on military operations across the country.
He said troops also discovered and destroyed 21 pits, 56 boats, 138 storage tanks, 235 cooking ovens, six pumping machines, one outboard motor and two speedboats.
According to him, the troops have recovered around 1.2 liters of stolen crude oil, 452,910 liters of illegally refined automotive diesel, 22,650 liters of Premium Motor Spirit and 3,000 liters of dual-use kerosene.
He added that the troops arrested 59 alleged oil thieves and other criminal elements, as well as recovered 15 various weapons during the period analyzed.
Buba further said that troops conducted a cordon and search operation on September 7, detained 14 suspects and recovered 14 assorted weapons from their hideout in Tai Local Government Area, Rivers State.
He added that on September 4 the air component carried out an air interdiction over Bille and Ijawkiri where active illegal oil refining sites were destroyed with rockets and cannons.
In the South East, Buba said Operation UDO KA troops killed 17 terrorists, arrested 11 suspected criminals and rescued two kidnapped hostages during the period.
He added that the troops also recovered 10 AK47 rifles, five Danish pistols, seven pump guns, four magazines and 34 cartridges.
“All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to relevant authorities for further action,” he said.