In a significant operation aimed at curbing illegal oil activities, the Joint Military Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, has revealed the presence of at least 50 illegal refining sites nestled within the Biseni forests of Yenagoa Local Government Area in Bayelsa State.
Commander Rear Adm. John Okeke, leading the operation, disclosed to reporters that each of the uncovered sites was engaged in illegal refining of stolen crude oil, underscoring the pervasive nature of the illicit activity in the region.
Okeke highlighted a particularly alarming discovery: a large pit capable of accommodating up to 10 trucks of Alternative Gas Oil, commonly known as diesel. "It is from this large pit that they distribute to their illegal refining sites," he revealed, shedding light on the sophisticated operations of the illicit trade.
Emphasizing the ongoing efforts to combat illegal oil businesses in the area, Okeke reiterated the joint task force's unwavering commitment to tackling the menace head-on. "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," he affirmed.
The operation, spanning from Ahoada-West in Rivers State to Biseni in Bayelsa State, underscores the extensive reach of illegal oil activities plaguing the region. Okeke stressed that oil theft and illegal refining of crude oil pose significant challenges and threats to the stability and prosperity of the area.
In a plea to the public for support, Okeke urged community members to provide credible information to aid in tracking down illegal oil refiners. Recognizing the critical role of reliable intelligence, he underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in combating illicit activities in the region. "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 emphasized.
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