The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) say Troops of operation Delta Safe have discovered and destroyed a total of 45 illegal refining sites as well as 72 cooking ovens, 127 metal storage tanks, 30 dug out pits, 23 cotonou boats, 47 pumping machine and 9 tankers in Delta and Rivers states.
Bernard Onyeuko, the Director, Defence Media Operation, who stated this while briefing journalists on Thursday about the military’s operations across the country between 20 January -10 February 2022, said the discoveries were made when the troops conducted operations at different locations,in creeks, villages and towns in Obelle, Rumuekpe, Oduoha, Isiokpo, Iba in Emohua Local Government Area, Samkiri Community, Idodha/Ozochi Communities in Ahoada West Local Government all in Rivers State and Opuama, Warri North Local Government Area, Madangbo Creek in Warri South Local Government Area, Gbene Community, Abalama Community in Delta State.
Onyeuko said a total of 2,531,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil and 2,807,000 litres of stolen crude oil were recovered in the course of the operations.
He added that 20 coolants, 9 tankers were also recovered and 50 galvanized pipes illegally connected to pipelines excavated.
He noted that 12 economic saboteurs associated with pipeline vandalization were arrested within the period and that all the apprehended criminals and recovered items have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.
