The Nigerian Army said it discovers the biggest illegal oil bunkering site close to the Nigerian Ports Authority NPA in Port Harcourt and just two Kilometers from the Government House.
The Commander of the 2 Brigade,Nigerian Army,Brig-Gen Stevenson Olabanji,told NAN that Thousands of illegally refined diesel in the site following a tip-off.
He said: “About 16:40 hours on Monday, we got information that some illegal bunkering activities were going on along Makoba Beach.
“On arrival, our personnel discovered illegal activities which involved bunkering of illegally refined petroleum products and lifting of diesel onto local boats
“At the site, we found more than 5,000 drums loaded with illegally refined diesel; four tanker trucks containing 132,000 litres of diesel combined, and a barge with 165,000 litres of stolen diesel.
“This discovery is unprecedented because since we started our operations 10 days ago, this is about the biggest that we have uncovered.”
Olabanji said that additional 150 drums loaded with about 3,150 litres of diesel, were also discovered in 21 ‘Cotonou boats’.
He said 13 suspect were arrested at the scene of the activity.
The Commander added that the site is yet to be set ablaze due to it proximity to residential house and NPA.
“Our mandate requires us to destroy the site in situ, but we cannot do this because it will degrade the environment and affect residents, as it is situated in the heart of Port Harcourt.
“Our plan is to move them to a safe location for destruction. Preliminary investigation has already begun to unravel the sponsors of the facility. The 13 suspects will be handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution.”Olabanji said
Photo Credit: NAN
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