Troops deactivate 33 illegal refining sites with 46 illegal refining units, 94 boiler ovens, nine reservoirs in Niger Delta

Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE has discovered and deactivated a total of 33 illegal refining sites with 46 illegal refining units, 94 boiler ovens and 9 reservoirs.

Acting Director Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Benard Onyeuko stated this on Thursday during bi-weekly press briefing on the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s operational efforts.

Onyeuko said a cumulative total of 139 metal storage tanks and 63 dugout pits, all laden with 440.2 barrels and 1,637,500litres of illegally refined AGO as well as 62.2 barrels and 572,000litres of stolen crude oil and shelter stations were also discovered and treated accordingly.

He said other illegally refined products intercepted and immobilized were a wooden boat used for transportation of illegal oil products; 321 polythene bags, 16 drums and 15 jerry cans laden with illegally refined petroleum products.

Onyeuko added that troops disconnected all illegal pipes connecting to Shell Petroleum Development Company pipelines around Okporowo Right of Way in Ahoada East Local Government Area and Edeoha Community in Ahoada Local Government Area of Rivers State within the period.

He said troops also discovered and immobilized a Cotonou boat laden with 2,000 litres of stolen crude oil.

Onyeuko said troops carried out a cordon and search operation around Bonny Local Government Area Recruitment and Empowerment Centre in search of the mastermind of kidnap incidents at Abalamabie Community in Bonny Local Government Area, Rivers State.
He said during the operation, troops arrested a notorious kidnapper identified as Mr Promise aka Bummi, who had been on security forces watch list.

The Acting Director Defence Media Operations said the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains steadfast in the fight against all forms of criminality in different parts of the Country.

He said the military high command appreciates the continuous sacrifices of the troops in the various theatres of operation across the country, salutes their courage, resilience and commitment towards achieving sustainable peace in the country.

He said the military appreciates the general public and the press for their continued support and further encourage all to avail the Armed Forces with credible and timely information that will facilitate proactive engagements in all the theatres of operation across the country.