From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa
The Joint Task Force, codenamed, “Operation Delta Safe (OPDS)”, on Sunday uncovered over 50 illegal refining sites in the Biseni forest of Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa.
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.
Daily Asset reports that 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.
He recalled he had earlier warned oil thieves in the area to desist from the illegal business or relocate to another area.
According to him, “I recalled on May 9, 2024 we were at Ukwa West LGA, in Abia State bordering Rivers State, a contiguous forest bear shared along Imo River.
”Today like I said we are not going to relent and it is work in progress. We will not get tired, we will continue, we are in Biseni in Yenagoa LGA of Bayelsa.
”We transverse from Ahoada West LGA, of Rivers to reach this point, the most surprising thing is that this place we are now is housing over 50 cooking sites with unique arrangements.
”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 galvanized pipe connecting directly to supply oil lines on the road, from a distance of one kilometer.
”Then they have a lot of funny connections where they have various arrangements of D connection, multiple connections where each of the thieves get 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.
According to him, like I said, I want to call on the public spirited individuals to please continue to volunteer information, because the JTF cannot do it alone.
”Look at the thick forest we are now, you can never imagine that such serious crime is going on here, if not for the good spirited individual that volunteered information, we wouldn’t have known.
He called the criminals to kindly relocate or change their business, because they will not relent, as they will continue with clearance operations.
The JTF Commander, said his message to those involved in illegality that sooner or later they will catch up with them, as they will not relent and that the way is going they may come up with more drastic measures.
”It appears that they felt that we are being romantic with kid gloves, but I can assure you that is getting out of hand if we continue to curb these illicit activities.
”I personally will begin to advocate for more serious measures to address this challenge, because the country is bleeding. You know the illicit oil activities.
”When you allow such activities to continuously be perpetuated, the legitimate people that engage will not be able to sell their products because these criminals will be selling at far lower prices.
”The government needs to gain revenue for developmental purposes, that is why we have taken it as a force to continue fighting this battle and we will not relent,” he said.
Daily Asset
