JTF Destroys 362 Illegal Refineries

… Seizes vessels, barges

The Military Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta has destroyed 362 illegal local crude oil refineries during its patrol of the region.

The Media Coordinator of the JTF, Lt.-Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, told the News Agency of Nigeria about the find on Saturday in Yenagoa.

He said the illegal refineries were in Kolokolo area of Bisigbo in Warri South Local Government Area of
Delta State and Igbomotoro and Sangana communities in Bayelsa State.
Nwachukwu said further that the JTF seized three vessels and seven barges reportedly used in crude oil theft.


According to him, the seizure of the vessels and barges took place on the Opobo River, in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State and Tomkiri in Brass Local Government of Bayelsa State.

“The operation as well led to the scuttling of 75 wooden boats (Cotonou boats) conveying illegal petroleum products at Ogbokodo creek and Ugbokolo areas of Warri South West of Delta State.
“175 suspects were arrested in the operation and handed over to prosecuting agencies,” Nwachukwu said.
He stated that the new JTF Commander, Maj.-Gen. Bata Debiro’s counter strategy to stamp out oil bunkering in the Niger Delta was yielding positive results.


Source: The Nation