The Joint Military Task Force Operation Delta Safe, on Wednesday, uncovered two illegal oil bunkering sites in Samkiri, a settlement in the Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The task force also found 30 illegal refining camps operating in the area.
On 13 February, the OPDS destroyed some illegal refining sites at Ataba, near Bonny, also in the state.
Rear Admiral John Okeke represented by OPDS’ Maritime Component Commander, Commodore Adedokun Siyanbade, said the operation was conducted by personnel of the Nigerian Navy, Army, Air Force, and other paramilitary organisations.
He said, “Here in Samkiri, around Cutting Channel 1, we have seen so many illegal refining sites behind the village.
“There are about 10 boiling points at one spot and more than 20 points at another spot.
“The task force will not relent in its efforts to rid this environment of crude oil theft and associated crimes.
“We shall not give opportunity to people bent on impinging on the country’s source of income”.
He said it was unfortunate the illegal refining sites were right behind the settlement.
Okeke said, “It seems that every house in the community has its own illegal refining site and it is not good for the country’s image and the well-being of the people.
“One of the wellheads is still pumping crude into a pit dug out by perpetrators of the act”, he said.
The military had since June last year heightened onslaught against oil theft following an ultimatum by President Bola Tinubu that oil theft must end to shore up the country’s daily production and boost revenue.
In January, the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, said it destroyed 233 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta region and arrested 112 suspected oil thieves in 2023.
