The Nigerian military says it has dismantled 60 illegal refining operations in the Niger Delta region and confiscated 712,535 liters of stolen crude oil.
The operation, according to the military, was a component of a larger effort to thwart criminal activity both locally and nationally.
Edward Buba, director of Defence Media Operations, who made the announcement, said troops also disrupted oil theft activities and recovered stolen crude oil valued at over N712 million.
Also, the military allege to have seized 76,800 liters of illegally processed automobile gas oil (AGO), commonly referred to as diesel, and demolished infrastructure utilized by oil thieves, including 48 boats, 52 drums, 38 storage tanks, and four dugout pits.
In addition, the military confiscated 71 different weapons, including 50 AK-47 rifles, five locally built handguns, and 16 fabricated rifles, as well as 1,463 rounds of ammunition.
Buba said the crackdown on oil theft was part of a broader national campaign against criminal elements.
The military pledged to keep destroying terrorist networks and weakening their organizations.
