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Following its operation, codenamed ‘Operation Delta Safe (OPDS),’ the Joint Task Force (JTF), yesterday, uncovered over 50 illegal refining sites in the Biseni Forest of Yenagoa Local Council of Bayelsa.
The JTF Commander, Rear Adm. John Okeke, who led the operation, said that illegal refining of stolen crude oil was taking place in each of the sites uncovered.
A large dug-out open pit that can accommodate more than 10 trucks of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), holding crude oil from where they distribute to their cooking site, was also discovered by the team
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Rear Admiral Okeke recalled that he had earlier warned oil thieves in the area to desist from the illegal business or relocate to another area.
He said: “Today, as I said, we are not going to relent, and it is a work in progress.
We will not get tired; we will continue. We are in Biseni, in Yenagoa Council of Bayelsa.
“We have transversed from Ahoada West Council of Rivers to reach this point. The most surprising thing is that this place houses 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 galvanised pipe connecting directly to supply oil lines on the road, from a distance of one kilometre.”
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