Soldiers destroy 52 illegal refineries in Rivers State as part of war against bunkering

SOLDIERS from the Second Brigade of the Nigerian Army based in Port Harcourt have shut down 52 illegal refineries in Rivers State as part of the ongoing campaign to combat criminal activity in the petroleum sector.

 

Over recent months, the Nigerian Army has stepped up its operations in the Niger Delta, clamping down on illicit refineries and combating down on bunkering.  Over last week, troops from the Second Brigade destroyed the illegal refineries in Krakrama, Bille and Better community areas of Rivers State.

 

Nigerian Army spokesperson, Col Sani Usman, said the operation took place on Saturday. He added that the troops recovered six large pots used in refining crude oil, one swamp buggy, two high-powered engine boats, a pumping machine and 10 empty drums.

 

In addition, the troops also cleared a notorious kidnappers’ camp and rescued one kidnap victim at Obiozumini near Obite in Ogbema/Ndoni/Egbema Local Government Area, according to the army. Col Usman added that the Nigerian Army, which has been conducting Exercise Crocodile Smile in the Niger Delta for some weeks now, will keep up the exercise until criminality is subdued in the region.

 

He pointed out that all the recovered items would be destroyed. According to Col Usman, the Nigerian Army destroyed 72 illegal refineries during a similar operation in Bayelsa State recently.