Tempo of Military Operations Against Oil Theft Laudable – NSEG
The Niger-Delta Safe Environment Group, NSEG, has lauded the tempo of ongoing military operations in the South South, aimed at curbing crude oil/products theft.
According to the group, long years of illegal bunkering has caused severe damages to the environment and health of Niger Delta people.
NSEG lamented that several residents of the region are unknowingly carrying illnesses, following massive environmental degradation, a fallout of activities of the oil thieves.
The group, in a statement signed by its President, Ombo Princewill, and Secretary, Felicia Akpabio, said onslaughts by Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE (ODS) in the conduct of Operation OCTOPUS GRIP and other operations in the South South zone have weakened the activities of the criminals.
NSEG noted that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, under the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. LEO Irabor, has intensified operations aimed at protecting the environment, and saving the country huge resources.
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According to the group, “Just last week, the Defence Headquarters announced that it discovered and destroyed 74 illegal refineries and arrested a total of 71 criminals terrorizing the zone.
“In addition, the troops have also recovered 209,000 litres of crude oil, 145,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 4,500 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, 27 variety of weapons, 468 assorted ammunition, 2 speed boats, 2 outboard engine, 8 vehicles and 4 motorcycles.
“We commend the AFN for Operations conducted at the creeks, waterways, high sea, towns and cities of Bayelsa, Delta, River State, Cross River and Akwa Ibom state respectively, which yielded appreciable results.
“For long misguided elements in our region have put our health at risk in their quest for illegal wealth. Women with pregnancy are affected, their are incidences of lung cancer etc. Not to be mentioned is the manner our sources of livelihood, fishing and farming have been greatly affected”.
NSEG urged the people of the region to cooperate with the AFN to rid the region of those causing environmental health hazards and bleeding the country’s economy.
