The Nigeria Army says it has discovered and destroyed a total of 45 illegal refining sites in Rivers and Delta States respectively, including the arrest of 12 suspected vandals.
This was disclosed by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Benard Oyeuko, while briefing newsmen on the troops’ operational activities and other security agencies conducting operations to tackle insecurity in the country between 20 January – 10 February 22.
In a speech shared on the official Facebook page of the Nigeria Army, Oyeuko said that the vandals were arrested by troops of Operation Delta Safe.
He added that the troops conducted operations at different locations in Delta State, including Opuama, Warri North Local Government Area, Madangbo Creek in Warri South Local Government Area, Gbene Community, Abalama Community.
Other locations combed include creeks, villages, and towns in Obelle, Rumuekpe, Oduoha, Isiokpo, Ibas in Emohua Local Government Area, Samkiri Community, Idodha/Ozochi Communities in Ahoada West Local Government all in Rivers State.
“Accordingly, in the last 2 weeks, troops discovered and destroyed a total of 45 illegal refining sites, 72 cooking ovens, 127 metal storage tanks, 30 dug-out pits, 23 Cotonou boats, 47 pumping machines, 9 tankers.
“Consequently, a total of 2,531,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil and and2,807,000 litres of stolen crude oil were recovered in the course of the operations in addition, 20 coolants, 9 tankers were recovered.
“Also, 50 galvanized pipes illegally connected to pipelines were excavated, 12 economic saboteurs associated with pipeline vandalization were arrested within the period.”
The army spokesperson added that all apprehended criminals and recovered items have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.
He commended all troops combating the various security challenges confronting the nation, and also thanked Nigerians for the cooperation given to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies in the course of operations.
