The Nigerian Naval Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has destroyed several oil bunkering sites in Abise creek in the state in collaboration with a team led by the Akuku-Toru local council chairman, Rowland Sekibo.
Base Operation Officer, NNS Pathfinder, Commander Umar Siidi said the operation in Abise creek was carried out with sister agencies from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Police and local vigilante.
Speaking with newsmen after the raid and destruction of a camp, Siidi said the operation marked the 13th day of the onslaught against artisanal refiners in the area by the team. He added that the base was gaining more grounds to stamp out the menace of economic saboteurs.
On his part, the council boss, Sekobo, said the joint team has attained a great feat in complying with the state governor’s order to get rid of illegal oil refiners in their council areas.
Sekibo expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Navy for making it possible for his team to be on the swamp by providing them with gun boots, personnel and logistics. He also appreciated the Nigerian Police, the DSS and the NSCDC for their collaboration.
Meanwhile, the state governor, Nyesom Wike has issued another warning to traditional rulers in the state, telling them not to allow artisanal refinery activities in their territories.
The governor, who reaffirmed his commitment to continuing the fight against illicit oil bunkering, notably urged the Kings of Akpor in Obio/Akpor local council and Omerelu in Ikwerre local council not to allow such activities to flourish in their regions.
The governor warned that any king who allows illicit oil bunkering to continue in their domains would be deposed by the state government. With the current collaboration between the government authorities, security forces, and civilian agents, the fight against oil bunkering looks certain to be won.