The Nation Newspaper

Tag: refineries

  • 51 illegal refineries destroyed in Rivers security raid

    51 illegal refineries destroyed in Rivers security raid

    A nine-hour joint security operation in Rivers State has led to the destruction of 51 illegal refineries and four Cotonou boats. Six suspects, including two women, were arrested for illegal bunkering.

    The Commanding Officer of NNS Pathfinder, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Commodore Oyetunji Fadeyi, yesterday said the operation was carried out-based on information extracted from sea pirates in the net.

    Representatives of the Army, Air Force, Navy, State Security Service (SSS), Police and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), attended the news conference.

    The suspects, who were apprehended by security operatives on Monday, included Jane Duke Ijeoma, Lillian Obi (women), Sandwell Jumbo, Chinonso Ochuma, Godspower Robinson and Jonathan Robinson.

    They were arrested at Ke and Pero-Kparakama in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers state.

    The suspects were paraded before reporters and later handed over to the police for prosecution.

    The naval commanding officer attributed the rise in sea piracy and illegal oil bunkering to loopholes in the judicial system and called for the establishment of a special court, for speedy prosecution of persons involved in illegal oil activities.

    Fadeyi assured that the security operatives in Rivers state were fully prepared to continue to confront oil bunkerers and others involved in criminal activities on the waterways.

    During the operation, N530,000 cash, four AK-47 rifles, one FN rifle, a pistol, 212 rounds of 7.62 ammunition, four Nokia phones, a file containing documents, identity cards, eight machetes, wallet and 20 photographs, including that of a policeman and his identity card, were recovered.

     

  • Illegal refineries shut in Aba

    Four persons, believed to be operating two illegal petroleum refineries in Aba, Abia State have been arrested by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

    The NSCDC said the sealing of the illegal refineries followed the information from concerned citizens .

    Many items were recovered from the suspects as investigation commenced.

    Spokesman of the Corps, Victor Ogbonna said 16, 25-litre cans of substance believed to be adulterated products and other items were recovered.

    Ogbonna said the illegal refinery was identified at 41 Milverton Avenue by a team of its joint anti-vandals and counter terrorism squad, where Michael Udeze and Ifeanyi Aduzie, were arrested.

    He said the second illegal refinery was located at 12 Umuoji Street by 139 Port-Harcourt road, in a house that has 14 rooms. Substance suspected to be AGO [diesel], was recovered.

    He spoke on the second illegal refinery: “our team recovered substance believed to be AGO, while Mrs Chibuzor Nwaogu and one Nnamdi believed to be owners of the illegal refinery were arrested and are being investigated”.

    The NSCDC, Nathaniel Ubong condemned the operation of illegal refineries and oil bunkering that has been giving the state a bad name, adding that his command will not relent in its efforts to ensure that the illegal businesses are closed.

    Ubong noted that those operating illegal refineries and oil bunkering in the state caused reduction in revenue accruable to the state from the Federation Account, adding that Governor Theodore Orji is doing all in his power to put a stop to such illegal businesses in the state.

    He advised those who are involved in the business to relocate to another state or start another type of business as the command is ready to compliment the effort of the governor. “My command is ready to tackle such group of people operating in the state”.

    The commandant urged traditional rulers and other concerned citizens in the state not to relent in giving them information, stressing that they need such information to function properly, as they are determined to sanitise the state from illegal businesses.

    Ubong also told the community leaders to educate their people on the dangers of allowing illegal refineries and oil bunkering to flourish within their communities, “the laws of the land must be allowed to take its course and it will never be compromised for any reason”.

     

  • Illegal refineries, vandalisation are our greatest threat, says Maku

    Illegal refineries, vandalisation are our greatest threat, says Maku

    INFORMATION Minister Labaran Maku at the weekend attributed the twin menace of illegal refineries and pipelines vandalism as the greatest threat to the nation’s socio-economic development.

    The Minister spoke while inspecting the Civil Defence Academy during the National Good Governance Tour of projects in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Apart from the illegal activities causing environmental pollution in the Niger Delta, he said it is adversely affecting the nation’s economic income.

    Maku noted that the illegal activities are posing great danger to the future of the people of the Niger Delta.

    He said: “The greatest threat to Niger Delta region is illegal refinery and pipeline vandalisation. Our forefathers left behind good and safe environment for us. The pollution and contamination that is coming from the Niger Delta is great.”

    “If these communities do not stop these activities, it will cause great danger to the future of the people of Niger Delta.”

    “So, it is in the interest of those communities and the nation to stop the destructions they are doing in the Niger Delta area,” he said.

    Maku also reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to tackle the challenges of environmental degradation in the region.

    Inspecting the N13.4 billion Inner Southern Expressway in the city, Maku said the road is strategic and will greatly de-congest traffic.

    “It will remove grid lock in the city and add value to the residents of the city,” he stated.

    The FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed said the 3.8 kilometer road is aimed at reducing traffic congestion within the city centre.