The Joint Military Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, has made a significant discovery of 50oil refining sites within the Biseni forests in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa.
The Commander leading the operation, Rear Adm. John Okeke, revealed that they uncovered at least 50 illegal refining sites where stolen crude oil was being processed.
During the operation, the team found a large pit that could hold up to 10 trucks of Alternative Gas Oil, commonly known as diesel, indicating the scale of the illegal activities taking place in the area.
”It is from this large pit that they distribute to their illegal refining sites,” he said..
He emphasized that the joint task force had repeatedly cautioned against illegal oil activities in the area. He reaffirmed the team’s dedication to combating this menace.
”We have continued to warn, we are not going to relent. We will not get tired, we will continue to work, we shall locate them wherever they are.
”Our team moved from Ahoada-West in Rivers to discover these 50 illegal refining sites in Biseni, Bayelsa,” he said.
He expressed concern over the growing prevalence of oil theft and illegal refining of crude oil in the region.
He urged the public to provide the task force with credible information to help identify and apprehend illegal oil refiners.
”We can’t do it alone, we need the support of the public. You can’t imagine that such activities will be ongoing in this thick forest except with reliable intelligence,” he said.
