Niger-Delta Safe Environment Group (NSEG) has hailed the operations of the Nigeria military in combating illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta.
NESG President, Ombo Princewill and Secretary, Felicia Akpabio, in a statement on Monday, said many years of illegal bunkering had caused severe damage to the environment and health of the people in the region.
According to them, the 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.
He said the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. LEO Irabor, had intensified operations aimed at protecting the environment and saving the country huge resources.
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“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, there are incidences of lung cancer etc. Not to be mentioned is the manner our sources of livelihood, fishing and farming have been greatly affected,” he said.
