AFN Uncovers 48 Illegal Refineries, Recovers Arms, Stolen Crude Oil as 15 Kidnap Victims Rescue in Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa States - DHQ


By Aviashima Toom
The Armed Forces of Nigeria has said that it troops of Sector 2 Operation Delta Safe has uncovered 48 illegal refineries recovered large arms with stolen crude oil, while about 25 kidnapped victims held hostage were rescued in Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa States respectively.

The Defence Headquarters disclosed this in a press statement signed by the Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. John Enenche on Tuesday in Abuja, the Armed Forces said the troops  while on routine patrol at Nembe Owelesu, Bayelsa State encountered sea robbers at Abuja Open Water-Nembe.
According to the DMOs, the Sea robbers on sighting the troop's gunboats escaped into the creeks. Adding that 15  persons held hostage in 5 speed boats by the hoodlums were rescued by the troops.

Maj. Gen. Enenche also disclosed that on the 23 April 2020, acting on a tip off, Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER patrol team intercepted and arrested 3 Barges (MV Rock 1, JULIANAH and an unnamed barge) laden with illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) at AGIP waterfront for suspected involvement in illegal bunkering activities. 
He said that the Team also arrested another barge  laden with suspected stolen crude oil around Okochiri River entrance. 

He explained that troops of Sector 3, Operation DFLTA SAFE conducted raid on four Illegal refining sites  along Dema Abby - Oputumbi - Nanabie - Promise Land - Otobie and Ogono general area.
Items discovered and appropriately handled according to him, include 7 boilers, 9 storage tanks, 8 metal tanks, 1 dugout reservoir all filled with stolen crude oil, 8 metal tanks, 18 metal drums, 11 reservoir tanks filled with illegally refined AGO and Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK).

Also recovered are 2 empty Cotonou boats,1 generator set, 1 pumping machine, 2 welding machines, 1 filing machine, rolls of hose, and 1 speedboat mounted with 75 HP engine (use for illegal bunkering activities) were also discovered within the sites.
The DMOs also said troops of Sector 3 on patrol intercepted a barge laden with suspected illegally refined AGO around Orutoru general area of Rivers State. 

"Relatedly, on 25 April 2020, following intelligence report, troops of Headquarters Operation DELTA SAFE discovered and appropriately handled an Illegal refining site at Uzere community at Ughelli North LGA of Delta State.  

"Additionally, on 23 April 2020, troops of Sector 2 Operation DELTA SAFE deployed along KCTL pipeline at Odau Community in Abua/Odual LGA of Rivers State arrested 3 suspected  pipeline vandals around Shell Petroleum Development Company pipeline.

"Overall, a total of 3 weapons were recovered, 48 illegal refineries, 28 surface metal storage tanks, 60 cooking ovens and 18 Cotonou boats amongst others were discovered while about 58,500 liters of DPK, 11, 750 liters of PMS, 855,900 liters of AGO and an estimated 1, 507,000 liters of crude oil were seized by troops.
 
"All rescued victims, recovered items and arrested suspects are to be handed over to the appropriate authorities at the end of preliminary investigation". He said.

He requested the cooperation of the general public to continue to give credible information which would assist the military to rid the country of economic saboteurs. 

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