Troops destroy illegal refineries in Rivers, Delta

The defence headquarters (DHQ) says troops of operation Delta Safe have destroyed illegal refineries and disconnected illegal pipelines in Niger Delta.

The troops were also said to have intercepted and confiscated contraband vessels in the region.

Bernard Onyeuko, acting director, defence media operation, briefed journalists on Thursday about the military’s operations across the country from June 3 to June 16.

Onyeuko said the troops arrested many criminals during the course of their operations.

He said the troops had on June 3 and June 4 deactivated illegal oil refining sites at Ibaa in Emohua LGA, Kumufari and Yalama in Asari-Toru LGA of Rivers state.

He said several barrels of illegally refined PMS and AGO were impounded and storage tanks immobilised during the operation.

“Also on June 4, troops intercepted and impounded several wooden boats, some laden with large quantities of stolen crude oil, others loaded with vandalised pipes at DSC Roundabout in Udu Local Government Area and Opuama Creek in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta,” he said.

“Additionally, troops on June 5, disconnected an illegal pipeline laid by criminals connected to SPDC pipeline around Ibaa in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers.

“Troops also re-sealed some illegal oil refining sites reactivated by criminal elements at Koko Community in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta on June 6.”

Onyeuko said the troops also arrested some criminals disguised as lunatics in Delta state, adding that they were in possession of fake military barrack permit ID cards and military uniforms.

In 2018, an undercover investigation by TheCable had exposed the activities of suspected oil thieves in the region.

After the report was published, the navy began destroying illegal refineries across the Niger Delta region.