On Wednesday, the joint military task force Operation Delta Safe uncovered two illegal oil bunkering sites in Samkiri, a settlement in Degema LGA.

John Okeke, the task force’s commander, said the group found 30 illegal refining camps operating in the area.

“Here in Samkiri, around Cutting Channel 1, we have seen so many illegal refining sites behind the village. There are about 10 boiling points at a spot and more than 20 points at another spot.

“The task force will not relent in its efforts to rid this environment of crude oil theft and associated crimes. We shall not give opportunity to people bent on impinging on the country’s source of income,’’ he said.

Mr Okeke noted that it was unfortunate that the illegal refining sites were right behind the settlement.

“It seems that every house in the community has its own illegal refining site and it is not good for the image of the country and for the well-being of the people. One of the wellheads is still pumping crude into a pit dug out by the perpetrators of the act.

“The operation was conducted by personnel of the Nigerian Navy, Army, Air Force, and paramilitary organisations working with the OPDS. The joint operation was mounted to rid this environment of crude oil theft and the production of adulterated diesel,” Mr Okeke added.

On February 13, the OPDS destroyed some illegal refining sites at Ataba, near Bonny, also in Rivers. 

(NAN)