Troops of joint operation DELTA SAFE have in the past few days intensified operation against crude oil theft, with destruction of 80 illegal refineries across Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers States.
In Bayelsa state, troops’ patrol around Obhoyohan and Ngiri Creeks in Nembe Local Government Area discovered and destroyed 7 illegal refineries containing 150,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.
Three suspects were also arrested in connection with the illegalities, and are currently undergoing investigation.
Major Abubakar Abdullahi, Operation Delta State spokesman, in a statement on Monday said that in Delta State, troops on patrol around Sara Abileye Swamp in Warri South West Local Government Area discovered a network of 6 illegal refineries made up of 4 storage tanks, 2 dug out pits filled with stolen crude oil.
In addition, another patrol at the axis of Ajoloso Creek in Elume community destroyed a camp housing 8 illegal refineries.
Similarly, troops destroyed 9 illegal refineries comprised of 4 ground pits and 3 metal tanks filled with product suspected to be stolen crude oil at Katu near Camp 5 in Warri South West.
This is in addition to 7 illegal refineries earlier destroyed around Opunami Creek.
Another patrol conducted around Udu, Ughelli South Local Government discovered 8 illegal refineries depot at Udu trailer park and destroyed 1200 drums laden with 140 metric tonnes of illegally refined Diesel.
In Rivers State, troops destroyed other 10 illegal refineries around Bolo in Bonny Local Government. This is in addition to 25 others earlier raided at Creek 6 and Ijokiri in same Local Government Area.
The statement appealed to “all law abiding citizen to continue to support Operation DELTA SAFE operational activities with valuable information.”
“All hands must be on deck to frustrate the activities of economic saboteurs.
“We also advise the sponsors and operators of illegal refineries to desist from the economic sabotage which begets environmental pollution and other social problems. Our troops would not relent until our mandate is achieved.”
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