JTF uncovers 14 illegal refining sites in Rivers
The Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe has uncovered 14 sites illegally refining crude oil in Rivers State.
The Commander, Rear Admiral John Okeke, made this disclosure.
Mr Okeke who assumed duty on Thursday said that the illegal refining site located on Ataba Island close to Bonny Island in Rivers would be destroyed.
The OPDS commander who visited the location said it was uncovered based on intelligence information.
He said that though no arrest had been made the joint operation would not allow the Niger Delta to be a haven for criminals.
He stated, “We are going to make it very hot for them with the help of the Navy, Army, Air Force, Police, NSCDS, the DIA, amongst others. Nobody wins alone without collaboration, with teamwork, we are going to achieve a lot in the fight against illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism.
“Today we are in Ataba Island, close to Bonny Island, Rivers State, moving towards Akwa Ibom. What we discovered here is shocking, about 14 massive cooking sites, one of them is still hot and they must have pulled out on the arrival of the troops.”
According to him, the OPDS would sustain surveillance and take out economic saboteurs in the region.
He said, “We are sustaining what my predecessor did and I want to thank God that within 24 hours we are able to achieve this feat. It shows that we are performing our duty.”
He advised criminals operating in the area to go into legitimate businesses, warning that those engaged in pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering would never know peace.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Three suspected cultists arrested in Akwa Ibom
The police command in Akwa Ibom arrested three suspected members of the Vikings confraternity following a raid on a residential building.
States
Troops arrest 12 suspected Boko Haram collaborators in Borno
The military described the operation as a breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist support structures.
States
Police intercept 81 vehicles over plate number violations in Kano
The CP said the command had observed an alarming increase in the number of vehicles plying the roads across the state with covered number plates.
NationWide
Land Use Act: Governors should emulate Uba Sani, says HURIWA
The group commended the recent compensation to households affected by the 15-kilometre ring road project.
States
Flooding: Plateau govt expands waterways, clears drainage systems
Mr Dapiya said the intervention followed recurring flash floods, largely caused by blocked drainage channels resulting from indiscriminate waste disposal.
Anti-Corruption
Police arraign visa agent over alleged N7.6 million fraud
The defendant was arraigned on a two-count charge of fraud and stealing, to which he pleaded not guilty.
