According to the Defence Headquarters, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) troops have demolished 38 illicit refining sites and arrested 29 individuals suspected of oil theft in the past two weeks. Maj.-Gen. Musa Danmadami, the Director of Defence Media Operation, announced this during a press briefing in Abuja, providing updates on the armed forces' operations.

Danmadami stated that the troops carried out patrols, raids, and operations targeting illegal oil refining and swap buggies in various locations across Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers States. The objective behind these actions was to restrict the activities of oil theft and other criminal elements.

Danmadami mentioned that during Operation Octopus Grip and other operations, the troops identified and eliminated illegal refining sites, along with confiscating 24 wooden boats, 169 storage tanks, 152 ovens, and 19 dugout pits.

According to his statement, the troops also seized 551,500 litres of crude oil, 394,500 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 16 vehicles, four motorcycles, and one tricycle. In addition, they recovered two pumping machines, one outboard engine, one generator, one speed boat, four weapons, and 132 assorted ammunitions. The operations led to the arrest of 29 individuals involved in economic sabotage.

All the recovered items and apprehended suspects have been handed over to the relevant authorities for further necessary action.

Furthermore, it is important to note that the oil thieves were prevented from accessing a total sum of N448.3 million.

In related news, the air component carried out a series of aerial operations within the joint operational area.

An important mention goes to an air interdiction that took place in the Abacheke general area, where significant illegal oil bunkering activities were observed.

As a result, the designated target was successfully attacked, leading to the destruction of all illicit refining equipment found at that site," he further stated.

Moving on to the South East region, Danmadami reported that Operation UDO KA troops continued their offensive operations against the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/Eastern Security Network (ESN) and other criminal activities in the area.

During the period under review, he reported that the operational activities led to the elimination of two terrorists, the arrest of seven individuals suspected of terrorism, and the successful rescue of four kidnapped victims.