From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), has called for transparency, effective and adequate metering from International Oil Companies(IOCs)and other stakeholders operating in the Niger Delta region to end the incessant cases of oil theft in the country.
The DHQ, said this has become necessary to boost its operations against oil theft and increased the country’s daily oil production to two million barrels per day.
This is just as the DHQ, said it has intensified security measures in the region to end the menace of oil theft and other maritime crimes in the nations waterways.
Director, Defence Media Operations(DMO), Major General Edward Buba, made this known at the bi-weekly briefing on operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and security agencies conducted across the country in the month of August.
He said that the troops were also carrying out massive operations in the region to stop the menace and as well monitoring the deligent prosecution of arrested culprits
He said that in the month of August,
“Troops destroyed several illegal refining sites and recovered stolen products. Troops also conducted offensive and counter/anti kidnapping operations as well as arrested suspected violent extremists in Mbo and Okobo Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State as well as Sapele Local Government Area of Delta States respectively.
According to him, the troops destroyed illegal refining sites and recovered 1,270,650 litres of stolen crude oil, 350,700 litres of illegally refined AGO, 220 litres of DPK and 1,000 litres of PMS.
“Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 24 dugout pits, two speedboats, 31 boats, 70 drums and 63 storage tanks.
“ Other items recovered include :143 cooking ovens, two speedboats, three pumping machines, 16 vehicles and 119 illegal refining sites.
Gen. Buba, said that troops apprehended 17 suspected oil thieves and other violent extremists and recovered two assorted arms and 31 assorted ammunition
While noting that ongoing operations across the country have significantly diminished the military capabilities of terror groups and denied the terrorist the ability to carry out major offensive at will, Gen. Buba, said “The situation experienced mostly these days are low level skirmishes and attacks on soft targets.
“ We are aware that we are dealing with a shrewd, ruthless and brutal enemy, that must be stopped from their acts of terror. Accordingly, the armed forces is prepared to act with the relevant level of force that would be needed to dismantle these terror group
“ Troops strategy is to undermine the abilities of these terror groups and create conditions whereby they cannot carry out acts of terror or harm citizens. Accordingly, the military has prioritised targeting the terrorist leaders, commanders, foot soldiers as well as their collaborators”.