From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
The fight against oil theft in the forest of Bayelsa State by the Joint Task Force, codenamed ‘Operation Delta Safe (OPDS)’ intensified over the weekend, as it uncovered and destroyed over 50 illegal refining sites in the Biseni forest of Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa.
The security outfit also uncovered and destroyed 40 illegal refineries sites in Ukwa forest in Ukwa West Local Government Area, Abia State, bordering Oyigbo Local Government Area in Rivers State.
Speaking at Biseni, the JTF Commander, Rear Adm. John Okeke, who led the operation, said illegal refining of stolen crude oil was taking place in each of the sites.
Checks indicated that there was a large dug out open pit that can accommodate more than 10 trucks of Alternative Gas Oil (AGO), holding crude oil from where they distribute to their cooking site. Okeke, who recalled he had earlier warned oil thieves in the area to desist from the illegal business or relocate to another area, said the JTF would not abdicate its responsibilities to fight crude oil thieves.
“The thieves operating in this area have decided to be so smart by connecting what is called a theft line made of two inches pipe, a galvanised pipe connecting directly to supply oil lines on the road, from a distance of one kilometre. Then, they have a lot of funny connections, where they have various arrangements, multiple connections where each thief gets their supply. From a large dug out open pit that can accommodate more than 10 trucks of AGO, holding crude oil from where they distribute to their cooking site,” he said.
Okeke, again, advised those involved in oil theft to kindly relocate or change their business, because the JTF would not relent, but will continue with clearance operations.
“I, personally, will begin to advocate for more serious measures to address this challenge, because the country is bleeding.”
At Ukwa forest, Okeke commended the people for partnering with the JTF in the fight against oil theft, adding that stopping oil theft is the responsibility of all Nigerians.
“Like I told you guys on assumption of office, on February 15, 2024, that the joint operation area of Operation Delta Safe, will never be a safe haven for illegality, especially those criminals that have chosen to be stealing our oil. I made it clear then, on assumption of duty, that if they are not ready to indulge in legitimate business, they have two options: either they relocate to another area or they embrace legitimate business.
“But, here, we are, today, in Ukwa West of Abia state, bordering Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, the criminals felt that we will never get to this place, but here we are. It is surprising to note that within here, we have over 17 divisions, according to their naming, each of this division has a cooking of over 40 sites.
“Today, we have been able to traverse 40 of such sites. Of course, behind me, you will see that construction is ongoing far larger than two trucks. So, I want to say, today, we are not going to relent for those of them that do not want to abide by extant regulations regarding petroleum products. I will advise them to relocate before we will come for them,” he said.