Illegal refinery (File photo)
Chukwudi Akasike
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence
Corps, Rivers State Command, said at least 156 illegal refineries have
been destroyed by its operatives this year.
The corps state Commandant, Muhammed
Haruna, who disclosed this while briefing journalists in Port Harcourt,
said the illegal refineries were operated by suspected oil thieves.
Haruna identified some of the areas the
refineries were destroyed as Cutting Channel creek, Osaka creek and
other places, adding that those involved in the illicit activities.
Explaining that the command also
arrested 140 suspected oil thieves, Haruna noted that five barges, 69
trucks and 21 cars used in conveying stolen and illegally refined
petroleum products were impounded by the security outfit.
He said, “Pipeline vandalism, oil theft,
among others have been drastically reduced with stringent resistance
through the gallant efforts of officers and men of the corps.
“Timely and intelligence reports within
and outside the corps have been very useful. In the year under review,
the command destroyed 156 illegal refineries across the state.
“Several dump sites and illegal
refineries at Osaka creek, Cutting Channel creek and several other
places were destroyed. The command impounded a total number of 21
vehicles conveying adulterated and vandalised products, 69 trucks, five
barges as well as arresting about 140 suspects.
“In addition, a total of two vessels,
two barges and 54 suspects were handed over to us by the Nigeria Navy
for further investigation and prosecution. In the same vain Operation
Delta Safe, which the corps is a component, handed over a total number
of eight trucks, some buses, a boat and 27 suspects.”
He pointed out that officers and men of
the state command manning various locations had intensified efforts
towards fighting illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism.
He noted that the command had secured the conviction of 48 persons involved in illegal oil bunkering.
Haruna further said other suspects were
currently standing trial at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt,
saying that three barges abandoned by suspected thieves had been
forfeited to the Federal Government.
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