The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Aubakar has joined troops and officers of the Nigerian Army to tour one of the illegal refineries in the Niger Delta region.
Shortly after the tour, Abubakar, who was shocked at the high level of environmental devastation and economic sabotage of the illegal activities, pledged that the Federal Government would put an end to oil bunkering in the region.
Abubakar, who confessed that it was the first time he would visit such a site, described it as a menace that must be eradicated.
He spoke when he visited an illegal crude oil refining site in the creeks of Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
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He appreciated the challenges faced by the military in dismantling illegal refineries located in harsh terrains.
The minister’s visit was following the renewed efforts by the Nigerian Army to combat all forms of economic sabotage and illegal oil bunkering.
While commending the military personnel for their efforts, Aubakar said: “I have visited here for the first time to see the nature of the illegal refineries and what constitute the challenges in trying to dismantle them across the Niger Delta.
“I have seen how our gallant officers are working very hard despite the tough terrain to get to those illegal refineries and dismantle them.”
The defence minister disclosed that the site he visited was the 67th to be dismantled by Battalion 103, with other formations also making significant progress.
He said: “From what I learnt, this is number 67th in this Battalion 103 and the other formations are doing their best also. So it is a continuous process and they have assured me that they will end these illegal refineries’ operation in no distant future.
“I have seen the challenge and what they are facing and I thank them most sincerely for the job.”
Abubakar emphasized the importance of community cooperation in ending illegal oil bunkering, urging Niger Delta communities to collaborate with the army in intelligence gathering.
He said: “They are to continue to give us Intelligence that will help us stop this, it is very very important for us to come back to producing 2.3million to 2.5million barrels a day, for the economic development and prosperity of this nation.