Oil theft: Military destroys 3 illegal refineries in Niger-Delta

THE Joint Military Force deployed to the Niger Delta, Operation Delta Safe, on Saturday, destroyed three illegal oil distillation sites in Delta and Rivers.

Spokesman of Operation Delta Safe, Major Abubakar Abdullahi, who confirmed the development, noted that the operation was part of renewed effort to protect oil and gas infrastructure in Niger Delta region.

He emphasised that the military had intensified its operation to frustrate the activities of oil thieve and vandals whom he described as economic saboteurs across the region.

“Troops of Nigerian Naval Ship (NNS) Delta successfully carried out a raid on two illegal refineries at LAPASE CREEK in Warri South of Delta State.

“During the raid, 11 metal tanks, 5 dug pits with about 1750 Tons of suspected stolen crude oil and 170 Tons of illegally refined AGO were impounded.

“Also troops of Sector 3 also destroyed a large illegal refinery with multiple dumps at ALAKIRI in Rivers State.

“The oil thieves, on sighting our troops set fire on parts of their bunkering camp to deny access to the illegal site. However, the troops put off the fire and destroyed the illegal refinery site,” Abdullahi said.

The Spokesman solicited the support of the law abiding members of the public to support the operational activities of Operation Delta Safe with valuable information that would lead to achieving the mandate and securing oil facilities.

He said:  “We are here to protect oil and gas infrastructure, Deter and Prevent Sea Robbery, Crude Oil theft and other Criminalities within the Joint area of Operation that could impact negatively on economic activities in Niger Delta.