Nigerian troops operating in oil rich Rivers State has uncovered a massive illegal oil bunkering site located one kilometer along the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in southern city of Port Harcourt.
He said army operatives were immediately deployed to the site at Makoba Beach, which is two kilometers away from the state government house.
Olabanji said additional 150 drums, loaded with about 3,150 liters of diesel, were also discovered in 21 Cotonou boats.
He said 13 suspects were arrested at the scene of the illegal activity.
He said the illegal bunkering dump had not yet been set ablaze, in line with the Joint Task Force mandate, because of its closeness to residential buildings and the NPA.
The commander said preliminary investigation had already begun to unravel sponsors of the activity, adding that the 13 suspects would be handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
Olabanji, while urging oil thieves to desist from the sabotage of oil and gas installations, assured Nigerians that the JTF would not rest until it rids the state of illegal bunkering activities. Enditem
Source: Xinhua
