Troops Uncovers, Disconnects All Illegal Pipes Connected To Shell Pipelines In Rivers

Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE have uncovered and disconnected several illegal pipes connected by suspected bunkerers to Shell Petroleum Development Company pipelines around Okporowo Right of Way in Ahoada East LGA and Edeoha Community in Ahoada LGA of Rivers State.

The troops, also discovered and immobilized a Cotonou boat laden with 2,000 litres of stolen crude oil, an official has said on Thursday.

Disclosing this in a statement in Abuja, Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brig-Gen. Bernard Onyeuko, said that the troops, in a addition, carried out a cordon and search operation around Bonny LGA Recruitment and Empowerment Centre in search of the mastermind of kidnap incidents at Abalamabie Community in Bonny LGA, Rivers State.

“During the operation, troops arrested a notorious kidnapper identified as Mr Promise aka Bummi, who had been on security forces watch list”, he said.

In a related development, the defence spokesman said that troops of Operation DELTA SAFE within the period in focus conducted series of anti-illegal oil operations in their area of responsibility.

“These operations were conducted at Opuoma and Mmahu communities in Ohaji-Egbema LGA of Imo State; Sand Community in AkwaIbom State; Madangho Creek in Warri South West LGA, Ndoro and Beneside Communities in Burutu LGAas well as Yokri-Egbe Seashore, all in Delta State.

“Other operations were executed at Ibaa in Emohua LGA, Iyala, Buguma and Cawthorne Channel Creeks as well as Samkiri, Orutoru and Dema Abbey Communities, all in Rivers State.and Delta State.

“During the operations, troops discovered and deactivated a total of 33 illegal refining sites with 46 illegal refining units, 94 boiler ovens and 9 reservoirs.

“Also, a cumulative total of 139 metal storage tanks and 63 dugout pits, all laden with 440.2 barrels and 1,637,500litres of illegally refined AGO as well as 62.2 barrels and 572,000litres of stolen crude oil and shelter stations were discovered and treated accordingly.

“*Other illegally refined products intercepted and immobilized were a wooden boat used for transportation of illegal oil products; 321 polythene bags, 16 drums and 15 jerry cans laden with illegally refined petroleum products”.

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