Linus Aleke

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), on Thursday, said it has launched a special operation code-named Operation DAKATAR DA BARAWO, to curb crude oil theft and illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta area.

Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Benard Onyeuko said this while briefing a Defence correspondent in Abuja.

He explained that the new operation is aimed at reinvigorating the already existing operation Delta Safe, with a view to suffocating economic saboteurs in the Niger Delta region.

He added that other objectives of the new operations include but are not limited to “to secure critical maritime infrastructure, create enabling environment for the sustenance of the desired level of hydrocarbon production, safe shipping, and economic activities, and restore investor confidence in Nigeria Maritime domain amongst others”.

He noted that troops in Operation Delta Safe theatre have continued to dominate the zone and conducted anti crude oil theft and anti-illegal oil bunkering related operations at different locations.

The locations he said include; Opuama Celestial, Lolomu Ruler in Warri North Local Government Area, Obodo waterways in Warri Southwest Local Government Area of Delta State.

Other locations are; Egbeda, Ibaa, Oduoha, Rumekpe in Emohua Local Government Area, Elele – Owerri in Ikwere Local Government Area of Rivers State, and Brass Creek in Ozobo community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

“Accordingly, troops discovered and destroyed 30 illegal refining sites, 37 reservoirs, 31 ovens, 12 large wooden boats, 2 cooling systems, 3 receivers, 3 storage pits, and metal drums.

Military launches new operation to curb oil theft in Niger Delta

“Cumulatively, troops within the period under review recovered twelve million one hundred and fifty thousand (12,150,000) liters of illegally refined AGO, four thousand (4,000) liters of stolen crude oil, 3 tankers, 3 vehicles, 73 galvanized pipes, 2 motorcycles, 1 bus, 1 Toyota Camry, Mercedes Benz car.

“Furthermore, two electricity cable thieves associated with vandalization and stealing of high-tension cables were apprehended. All recovered items and apprehended criminal elements were handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action”.

Meanwhile, the hierarchy of operation Safe Haven organized cultural day events as a non-kinetic measure to promote tolerance among the diverse culture and customs of the people in its area of operations toward harmonious co-existence with one another.

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The Commander, Operation Safe Haven, during the Peace and Unity Cultural Day Celebration edition held in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State and the first Peace and Unity Gwash Ball tournament held in Jos Plateau State, called on youths in Plateau and Kaduna States to distance themselves from any act capable of compromising the collective peace of the people and take the lead in development ventures of the society.

“In attendance were the Chairman Sanga Local Government, Tradition rulers of Ninzo, Gwantu, the paramount ruler of the Anaguta Kingdom, Director of Sport Plateau State and Igbo Community leader in Plateau State,” Gen.Onyeuko concluded.