Through its Operation Delta Safe program, the Nigerian military was able to shut down 216 illegal oil refineries in the Niger Delta area in October. These places were major hubs for illegal processing of crude oil, which adds to the country’s ongoing oil theft issues. Along with tearing down these refineries, 195 wooden boats that were being used to carry stolen oil and other illegal goods were also destroyed. This made it even harder for criminal groups to operate in the area. As an effort to stop illegal trade, the military found and seized a lot of stolen oil and petroleum products as well as 30 cars that were probably used to transport the stolen goods. There were 3.2 million liters of fuel oil, 763,860 liters of Automated Gas Oil (AGO), and 12,690 liters of Premium Motor Spirits (PMS) that were taken away.
The efforts have led to a big increase in the country’s legal oil production. Nigeria’s daily crude output is now said to be over 1.5 million barrels per day, which shows that the military has been successful in stopping illegal activities and getting more oil to legal markets. These actions have not only helped cut down on illegal activities, but they have also brought some order back to the oil-rich area that is important to Nigeria’s economy. During the same time period, the military made important arrests, detaining 126 people suspected of stealing crude oil. This made organized crime groups in the area even less stable.
The military had an effect on places other than the Niger Delta as well. Under the name Operation UDO KA, troops stepped up actions in the southeast, going after the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant branch, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). As well as attacking security forces and citizens and making the area less stable, these groups have been involved in a wide range of illegal activities. Because of the military’s work, 40 terrorists connected to IPOB/ESN were killed, 55 suspects were captured, and 35 kidnapped people were freed. This shows how well the military can fight both insurgent actions and the threat that armed criminal groups pose to security.
In addition to these victories, the military also took a large amount of weapons and ammo, including 21 AK-47 rifles, 24 pump-action shotguns, and many other guns and 191 rounds of ammunition. The size of the weapons that were seized shows how widely criminal groups use them. The military’s ability to break up these networks is seen as a key way to weaken insurgent forces and keep people safe.
Along with shutting down illegal oil refineries, the military’s overall plan also tries to deal with the bigger problem of crime in the Niger Delta and other places. The military is following the government’s larger security goals, which include calming down unstable areas, restoring the rule of law, and keeping important national resources, like oil, safe from illegal use. Whether or not these actions continue to be successful will likely have a big impact on Nigeria’s future security, especially in oil-rich areas that have a history of crime and political unrest.
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