By Milcah Tanimu

The military’s Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta, known as “Operation Delta Safe (OPDS),” has uncovered a significant number of illegal refining sites within the Biseni forest in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The operation, spearheaded by Rear Admiral John Okeke, Commander of OPDS, targeted the clandestine activities of illegal crude oil refining in the area.

Rear Admiral Okeke revealed that these illegal refining activities were conducted on a daily basis before the military intervention. Speaking to reporters following the operation, Okeke described the discovery of a large dugout pit at one of the sites, capable of holding crude oil equivalent to more than 10 trucks of Alternative Gas Oil (AGO), used for cooking purposes.

He emphasized that prior warnings had been issued to oil thieves in the region, urging them to cease their illegal activities or relocate elsewhere. Despite these warnings, the illegal refining operations persisted, prompting the military’s intervention.

Okeke detailed the sophisticated methods employed by the oil thieves, including the use of “theft lines” made of galvanized pipes connected directly to supply oil lines on the road, spanning distances of up to one kilometer. Multiple connections were established to facilitate the distribution of stolen crude oil to various cooking sites within the forest.

The discovery of these illegal activities underscores the ongoing battle against oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other forms of criminality in the Niger Delta region. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, recently lamented the significant losses incurred by Nigeria due to such criminal activities, estimating daily losses of up to 300,000 barrels of crude oil and annual revenue losses of approximately N1.29 trillion.

The military’s efforts to dismantle illegal refining sites are part of broader initiatives aimed at curbing oil-related crimes and safeguarding Nigeria’s natural resources and revenue streams.