In a determined effort to combat illegal refining activities in Rivers State, troops of the 5 Battalion, Nigerian Army, have recently ramped up their operations, resulting in the arrest of eight suspects and the seizure of over 2,000 litres of illegally refined condensates.
The arrests were made along the Orashi River in the Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area (LGA), where the suspects were caught transporting these illegal products on motorcycles. This development is a significant stride in the ongoing fight against the scourge of illegal oil refining that has plagued the Niger Delta region for years.
This operation was detailed in a statement released by the Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah, who emphasized that these actions are part of a broader, more comprehensive campaign aimed at curbing illegal bunkering and addressing the severe environmental degradation it causes in the region. The operations in Rivers State are just one aspect of a larger initiative under the mandate of Operation Delta Safe, which is focused on restoring security and environmental health in the oil-rich Niger Delta.
In addition to the arrests and seizures made by the 5 Battalion, the troops of the 29 Battalion have also been actively involved in the crackdown on illegal refining. Around the Imo River,
These troops identified and destroyed nine illegal refining sites, seizing over 15,000 litres of illegally refined petroleum products in the process. These products, often refined under dangerous and environmentally hazardous conditions, are a significant contributor to the pollution that has devastated the local ecosystems and posed severe health risks to the communities in the region.
The suspects apprehended in these operations have been handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution. This step is crucial in ensuring that those involved in these illicit activities are held accountable, thereby serving as a deterrent to others who might consider engaging in such illegal enterprises.
Lt. Col. Danjuma also highlighted another significant operation conducted by the 63 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, supported by other security agencies. This operation targeted illegal refining sites along the fringes of the River Niger, near Ndokwa East and Ndoni LGAs in Delta and Rivers States.
Acting on credible intelligence, the troops dismantled several illegal refining facilities, including eight cooking pots, three storage tanks, three large storage dugouts, twelve feeders, and over 2,000 litres of crude oil that was being stored in a makeshift metallic oven.
In a related operation, two wooden boats containing more than 10,000 litres of condensates were seized after being abandoned by suspected criminals in the creeks. These boats, often used to transport illegally refined products to various locations, were intercepted as part of the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to disrupt the supply chains of illegal oil refiners.
The seized items were handled in accordance with the operational mandate of Operation Delta Safe, which seeks not only to apprehend offenders but also to eliminate the infrastructure that supports illegal refining activities.
The Nigerian Army has called on residents of the affected communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or criminal activities to the security agencies. This cooperation is vital in the fight against illegal refining, which poses a significant threat not only to the environment but also to the local economy and public health.
The statement from Lt. Col. Danjuma underscored the importance of community involvement in these efforts, noting that the environmental hazards caused by these illegal operations are severe and far-reaching, affecting water quality, air quality, and the overall health of the region’s inhabitants.
The ongoing operations by the Nigerian Army and other security forces are a clear indication of the government’s commitment to tackling the illegal refining problem head-on. While significant progress has been made, the challenge remains substantial, requiring sustained efforts and collaboration between the military, security agencies, and the communities they serve.
The recent successes in Rivers State and the broader Niger Delta region are encouraging, but they also highlight the need for continued vigilance and action to ensure that these illegal activities are permanently stamped out, allowing the region to recover and thrive.
