The Joint Military Task Force in the Niger Delta said it has arrested 13 oil thieves and killed one suspected militant in different operations.
Spokesperson of ‘Operation Delta Safe’, Lt. Cdr Thomas Otuji revealed this in a statement on Thursday.
“In one of the operations, troops arrived the suspected militants’ hideouts following a tip off and engaged them in a gun battle.
“One was killed and two suspects arrested.
“Items recovered include one AK- 47 rifle and a magazine loaded with 20 rounds of 7.62 millimeter special ammunition,” he said.
Otuji also said the troops had another operation along Que Iboe Terminal Jetty waterside in Akwa Ibom.
“Some of the criminals absconded on sighting our troops, however, 13 oil thieves were apprehended,” Otuji said.
He said that the suspects are in the custody of the Nigerian Navy Ship JUBILEE in Ikot Abasi for further investigation.
Items recovered from the suspected oil thieves include- three wooden Cotonou boats, 180 units of 200 litres capacity drums filled with illegally refined petroleum products and one locally made pistol.
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