Security Operatives Destroy 3000 Drums Of Illegally Refined Diesel

Men of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF), on Sunday set ablaze over 3000 plastic drums containing illegally refined diesel in three warehouses at a camp where illegally refined petroleum products in the area are sold in Owhawha community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

The armed military personnel stormed the camp in three Hilux pick-up vans at about 9.30 pm, driving through a windy road said to have been constructed by those involved in the refining and sale of the illegally refined products.

No arrest was however made at the time of the raid except two motorcycles found in the camp, as operators of the illegal market fled the area when they heard that soldiers were to invade the area.

While addressing newsmen moments after the invasion, Commanding Officer 222 Battalion, Lt. Col. A. H. Rasheed, stated that a tip off from members of the community led the JTF operatives to the camp.

Rasheed who disclosed that the country loses over N7 billion daily to the activities of illegal bunkerers and illegal refining of petroleum products, commended the community for providing information that led to the discovery and destruction of the illegal petroleum product market.

He said his men proceeded to destroy the camp as soon as they arrived at the location, adding “if we had waited a little longer they would have removed the products before dawn.”

While assuring that the JTF would not relent in keeping vigilance in the area, he appealed to members of the public to always avail security operatives with information that could lead to the arrest of criminal elements in the area.

—Jethro Ibileke/Benin City