The Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), has destroyed over 40 illegal refining sites at Ukwa Forest, in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia.
News About Nigeria reports that the disclosure was made by the Commander of the Joint Military Force, Rear Adm. John Okeke, who led the operation.
According to him, over 40 sites operating in the area were refining stolen crude oil siphoned by oil thieves.
He urged residents to work closely with the military to get rid of oil thieves in the region.
Rear Admiral John Okeke said the area of Operation Delta Safe will never be a haven for illegality, especially for criminals engaged in pilfering the nation’s oil resources.
“I made it clear then on the assumption of duty that if you are not ready to indulge in legitimate business, you have two options: either you relocate to another area or you embrace legitimate business,” he stated.
The military warned oil thieves to flee the region or face arrest, as the Joint Task Force has been able to traverse the 40 sites.
“But here we are today in Ukwa West of Abia State, bordering Oyigbo LGA of Rivers State, the criminals felt that we would never get to this place, but here we are,” Rear Admiral Okeke said.
“It is surprising to note that here we have over 17 divisions according to their naming, each of these divisions houses over 40 sites. Of course, behind me, you will see one that construction is ongoing; it’s far larger than two trucks. You can imagine the quantity of products they would have stolen and refined here.”
The Commander added that the military will not relent in its efforts to rid the region of oil thieves. “So, I want to say today, we are not going to relent. For those of you that do not want to abide by extant regulations regarding petroleum products, I will advise them to relocate because we will come for you,” he warned.
