The Joint Military Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, has uncovered a revelation in the fight against illegal oil activities, as they revealed the existence of 50 oil refining sites nestled within the Biseni forests in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.
Rear Adm. John Okeke, the commanding officer orchestrating the operation, disclosed the startling findings, highlighting the prevalence of illicit activities involving the processing of stolen crude oil across the region. The operation unearthed an extensive network of illegal refining sites, where the pilfered crude oil was being clandestinely processed.
During the meticulous sweep of the area, the task force stumbled upon a sizable pit capable of accommodating up to 10 trucks of Alternative Gas Oil, colloquially referred to as diesel. This discovery underscored the magnitude of the illegal operations conducted within the vicinity.
“It is from this large pit that they distribute to their illegal refining sites,” Rear Adm. Okeke elucidated, shedding light on the intricate logistics involved in the illicit activities.
The commander reiterated the task force’s unwavering commitment to curbing the menace of illegal oil activities in the region, emphasizing their continued vigilance and relentless pursuit of perpetrators.
“We have repeatedly issued warnings, and we shall not waver in our efforts. We remain steadfast in our resolve to track down these perpetrators wherever they may be,” he affirmed.
Expressing apprehension over the escalating incidence of oil theft and illicit refining activities, Rear Adm. Okeke underscored the imperative of collaborative efforts in combating the scourge. He urged the public to provide actionable intelligence to aid in identifying and apprehending those involved in illegal oil refining.
“We cannot tackle this scourge alone; we rely on the support of the public. It is inconceivable that such activities could persist within these dense forests without reliable intelligence,” he remarked, underscoring the critical role of community involvement in combating the illicit trade.
The discovery of these clandestine oil refining sites marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to eradicate illegal oil activities in the Niger Delta region. As the Joint Military Task Force intensifies its operations, the collaborative engagement of both security forces and local communities remains pivotal in the quest to safeguard the region’s natural resources and uphold the rule of law.
