Tag Archives: Illegal Refineries

Illegal Niger Delta refineries to produce 1,000 barrels of oil daily — NNPC

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The group managing director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Maikanti Baru, has thrown some light on the modular refineries the Federal Government is planning for the Niger Delta.

Mr. Maikanti, at the 53rd International Conference and Exhibition of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) in Abuja, said the government would organise the youth now engaged in illegal refining of crude into consortia.

Each consortium will refine 1000 barrels of crude daily.

Mr. Baru also defended the Federal Government’s plan to transform illegal refineries in the Niger Delta into legal entities for proper integration of the youth in the region.

He argued that getting the youth to form consortia to set up 1000 barrels per day modular refineries would get them off criminality and create jobs.

He said the reform programme being executed by the NNPC is geared towards transforming it from an oil and gas company into an integrated energy outfit with interest in power generation and transmission.

In a paper entitled, “Challenges and Prospects for the Diversification of the Upstream, Downstream and Frontier Basin Exploration in the Oil and Gas Sector”, Mr. Baru said NNPC had identified opportunities in the power sector and was ready to take advantage of them to transform from being a gas supplier to the power sector, into a major player, in the sector.

He said the Corporation was already working on a project to generate four Megawatts (4000MW) of electricity while also exploring the possibility of investing in the transmission segment of the power sector.

The GMD explained that the Corporation’s decision to diversify into the power sector was hinged on the need to bridge the huge energy gap in the Nigerian market.

He said contrary to the impression that the poor power situation was caused by inadequate gas supply, the real problem was inadequate transmission capacity, adding that there was enough gas to generate eight gigawatts (8GW) of electricity but the transmission grid could not support such volume of power without complications.

In the upstream, he said his goal was to accelerate frontier exploration and grow crude oil reserve to 40 billion barrels from the current 37 billion.

He also challenged the geoscientists on the need to deploy more sophisticated technology and drill deeper than the current 13,000 to 15,000 feet in the Niger Delta to produce more oil.

“We have to look deeper with intensive 3D and 4D seismic surveys over the so-called matured Niger Delta. The older, the better,” he declared.

 

Source: Premium Times

Reps Ask Military To Stop Destruction Of Illegal Refineries

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The House Of Representatives has asked the Nigerian Armed Forces to stop setting ablaze illegal refineries and adopt a more acceptable method of destroying them.

This resolution followed a debate on the menace of black soot which, according to a lawmaker, is causing panic in Port Harcourt and some parts of Rivers state.

The House also wants the Ministries of Environment and Health to have a team of experts identify the source of the soot and propose a remedy.

The Rivers state Governor, Nyesom Wike, had earlier appealed to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to adopt more refined ways of destroying illegal refineries in the state.

He stated that the methods currently adopted by security agencies in destroying illegal refineries were harmful to the environment and formed part of the reasons why the state suffers from black soot.

Wike then stressed that his administration would continue to take steps to protect Rivers state from such environmental hazards by also engaging all  the necessary stakeholders.

 

Source: Channels TV

Nigerian troops ‘destroy 80 illegal refineries’ in Niger Delta creeks

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The Nigerian army says it has destroyed 80 illegal refineries in creeks in Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states.

The raid was conducted through the Operation Delta Safe, spokesperson for the operation, Abubakar Abdullahi, said on Monday.

Abdullahi noted that three suspects were arrested in Obhoyohan and Ngiri creeks in Nembe local government area of Bayelsa.

“The troops discovered and destroyed seven illegal refineries containing 150,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil. Three suspects were also arrested in connection with the illegalities, and are currently undergoing investigation,” he said.

“While in Delta State, the troops that patrolled the Sara Abileye swamp in Warri South-West Local Government Area discovered a network of six illegal refineries made up of four storage tanks. In all, about 80 illegal refineries were destroyed.

“They were in Ajoloso Creek in Elume community, Warri South-West; Udu, Ughelli-South Local Government Area; Bolo in Bonny Local Government Area and other parts of the states.

“This is in addition to 25 others earlier raided at Ijokiri in Bonny LGA. We appeal to all law-abiding citizens to continue to support Operation Delta Safe activities with valuable information.”

N’Delta: Soldiers Rescue 12 Hostages, Bomb Illegal Refineries

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Troops attached to the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, OPDS, Friday rescued 12 persons from sea robbers and suspected kidnappers in various operations in the Niger Delta.

Lt Col, Olaolu Daudu, the Joint Media Campaign Centre Coordinator of the task force fighting militancy and other crimes in the region, told journalists that the operations took place in Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states.

He added that Troops of Sector one in Delta State foiled an attack on market women in Bomadi and rescued six civilians who were held hostage by the hoodlums.

Similarly, Daudu noted that troops rescued three indigenous staff of LEX Oil earlier kidnapped on November 3, 2016, at Ikuru town, Andoni Local Government Area, Rivers State.

“In addition, troops deployed at Koluama conducted a raid on Sea Pirates hideout in Kasabubou Forupa Waterways, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

“Troops rescued three persons namely; Peter Atijera, Lukeman Balogun and Pius John and recovered Speedboats mounted with Double Engine 115/80 Horse Power, two Binoculars and one Motorola radio.

“The Air Component of Operation DELTA SAFE while on patrol over Isaka town, Kidney Island, Alakiri and Bille in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State sighted two barges loaded with illegally refined products which were incapacitated”, he said.

According to him, soldiers in conjunction with personnel of the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) also conducted a raid on suspected criminal/illegal drug dealers hideout at Emu Obodeti Community in Ndokwa West Local Government Area, Delta State.

“The operation led to the arrest of one Mr. Moses Eni and Mrs. Boyi Kamanda and Fifty Five (55) bags of substance suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered. The items are in the custody of the NDLEA office in Kwale Delta State”, the JTF disclosed.

Read More: thisdaylive

Again Navy Cracksdown On Oil Thieves, Illegal Refineries

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In line with the resolve to eliminate all forms of economic sabotage, crude oil theft and other criminal activities, operatives of the Nigerian Navy (NN) have continued the crackdown on criminals within the maritime domain.

 The patrol team deployed by NNS JUBILEE has arrested 13 suspects allegedly involved in illegal bunkering activities around Ibenoarea of Akwa Ibom State.
Commodore Christian Ezekobe, Spokesperson of the Nigerian Navy in a statement said the suspects were arrested in 3 Cotonouboats adding that two of the boats were carrying 55 and 48 drums of suspected illegally refined AGO respectively, while the third Cotonou boat was carrying about 188 empty drums.

 He said the suspects and exhibits have been handed over to officials of NSCDC for necessary action.

 The statement further said the patrol team deployed by FOB ESCRAVOS has also arrested 3 persons suspected to be oil thieves noting that the team also destroyed 6 Cotonou boats carrying suspected stolen crude oil around Sandhill Creek in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.

Ezekobe said the team recovered 2 wooden boats laden with 300 Metric Tones (MT) of stolen crude oil and a pumping machine during the raid.

 “Meanwhile, a patrol team deployed by NNS PATHFINDER has raided Adokiakiri Creek around Okirika axis and Dutch Island at Onnein Rivers State. During the operation, the Team arrested 8 suspects and destroyed 4 speedboats laden with 100 MT of illegally refined AGO.

“Two barges containing 500MT of suspected stolen crude oil were also destroyed by the team.

 “In another raid, the Patrol Team also arrested 3 suspects onboard MV OMETE VI and a large wooden barge laden with about 120MT of illegally refined AGO around FOT Onne in Rivers State” the statement said.

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http://leadership.ng/news/555090/again-navy-cracksdown-on-oil-thieves-illegal-refineries

Military arrests militants, kidnappers, destroys illegal refineries

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The military operating in the Niger Delta under ‘Operation Delta Safe’ yesterday said more suspected militants had been apprehend.

The military also disclosed that a kidnap attempt was foiled and some illegal refineries were destroyed in separate operations across the region.

Three armed men suspected to be members of the Bakers Strike Force (BSF) including one Moses Okokon, were apprehended at Okon Mkpa community of Efut Esighi, Bakassi local council of Cross River State while troops stationed in Delta State foiled an attempt by kidnappers to kidnap two women.

A statement by army spokesperson, Lt. Cmdr. Thomas Otuji, said the women were rescued by troops after receiving distress calls.

He said the troops immediately swung into action and rescued the victims who were abducted at gunpoint, while a suspect was arrested. Two others escaped.

A local single barrel gun was recovered from the suspect.

According to the statement: “In another development, while on routine patrol, troops of Sector 1 Operation Delta Safe raided and destroyed illegal refineries at Opumami and Okogho creeks in Warri South and Warri North local council. The suspects abandoned the site and fled on sighting the patrol boats.”

Also a detachment of Operation Delta Safe of Sector 3 (Rivers State) on October 4 discovered and destroyed illegal bunkering sites along Bille creek during a routine patrol.

While no arrest was made, the statement said various items including five oil dumps with five drums of stolen crude, 1 x 85 HPW speedboat, and pumping machine were seized from the illegal bunkers.

Meanwhile, the army has killed a suicide bomber while attempting to attack troops on the outskirts of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

A statement said the suspected male suicide bomber was sighted by vigilant troops who asked him to stop for clearance, but he refused and attempted to get closer. He was however shot dead by a soldier.

The statement said: “The terrorist who attempted to infiltrate the troops forward defences at Jidari Polo general area came in through Alidawari village about four kilometres ahead of Jidari strapped with heavy Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) vest.

Army Destroys 143 Illegal Refineries In Niger Delta

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The Nigerian Army destroyed 143 illegal refineries during its Operation Crocodile Smile in the Niger Delta region, Brigadier-General Hassan Hamisu has said.

Similarly, the Nigerian Navy said that it has arrested four crude oil thieves who specialize in illegally refining crude oil into automotive gas oil, AGO, while 85 large drums of AGOs were destroyed by the operatives of the Navy and Operation Delta Safe.

Speaking in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Brig-General Hassan, who is the Brigade Commander, 2 Brigade, Port Harcourt, made the disclosure while fielding questions from newsmen after a Jumat service at the barracks to mark the nation’s 56 independence anniversary.

Commending the gallantry of soldiers during the Crocodile Smile operation which has ended in the region, he said that it was carried out by soldiers of 2 and 4 Brigades. “I conducted the Crocodile Smile operation in some states in the South-South. Success was recorded in the area of destruction of criminal camps and illegal refineries. We have not rested since the operation. We shall continue to partner with other security agencies to ensure a safer environment,” he said.

On his part, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas, weekend, commended youths of Ataba Community in Akwa Ibom State for providing timely information on the activities of oil thieves which led to their arrests and destruction of the illegal AGO.

A statement from Naval Headquarters by Commodore Christian Ezekobe, Director of Information, said, “In continuation of the clampdown on crude oil thieves and illegal bunkerers, the Chief of the Naval Staff has expressed the appreciation of the Nigerian Navy to the gallant youths of Ataba Community in Akwa Ibom State for their exemplary conduct.”

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http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/10/army-destroys-143-illegal-refineries-n-delta/

Reps Investigate Illegal Refineries Destruction In Niger Delta

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The House of Representatives on Tuesday commenced investigation into activities of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta. NAN reports that the house is investigating alleged burning and destruction of equipment seized from illegal refinery operators in the area by the task force.
Briefing newsmen in Abuja on the investigation, Mr Sule Garo (Kano-APC), Chairman, Ad hoc Committee on Illegal Refineries, said that the house was worried about the environment in the area. Garo explained that the intentions of the house was to bring an end to the despoliation of the Niger Delta environment through burning of equipment confiscated from illegal operators of refineries.
He said that the JTF, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), and affected communities had been invited to testify.
“Others invited to give insight before the committee include Federal Ministry of Health and Ministry of Environment on steps they are taking to forestall further despoliation of the Niger Delta environment,” he said. He said that while setting up the committee, the house had noted that communities in the region routinely suffered from the effects of indiscriminate burning and destruction of equipment seized from illegal refineries.

Credit: Vanguard

JTF Arrests 18 Suspects Of Oil Theft, Destroys 31 Illegal Refineries

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The Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta, ‘Operation Pulo Shield’, arrested 18 suspected oil thieves and destroyed 31 illegal oil refineries in multiple raids in July.

This is contained in a statement issued by Lt.-Col. Isa Ado, media coordinator of the JTF, in Yenagoa yesterday.

It stated that troops of JTF deployed at Iguododo community and Chanomi Escravos in Orhionmwon and Warri South West Local Government Areas of Edo and Delta discovered and destroyed 15 illegal refining camps.

The statement noted that the suspects operated with four Cotonou boats, seven plastic reservoirs, 34 drums and 21 surface tanks filled with illegally refined Automated Gas Oil (diesel). It stated that other items discovered and destroyed were 21 cooking ovens and eight pumping machines.

The statement stated that the suspects fled on sighting the troops. “The squad also arrested 16 suspects for other criminal offences ranging from kidnapping, armed robbery, sea piracy, cultism and pipeline vandalism.

“Items recovered from them include locally made gun with live rounds of ammunition and axe. The suspects are in custody of the JTF for preliminary investigation before handing them over to prosecuting agency,” it stated.

Read More: sunnewsonline

JTF Destroys 32 Illegal Refineries In Delta

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The Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Pulo Shied, on Wednesday said it had destroyed 32 illegal refineries in Delta.

Isa Ado, the Coordinator of the Joint Media Campaign Centre, disclosed this to media personnel at the headquarters of the 3 Infantry Battalion, Effurun in Delta.

Ado, who spoke on behalf of the Commander of JTF, Operation Pulo Shield, Maj-Gen Emmanuel, said the operations were carried out in seven days by the Sub-sector 1 of the JTF in Effurun.

He said the actions were carried out in Odimodi, Yokri, Forcados, Oteghele, Opumani and Beneath Island communities in Burutu and Warri South-West Local Government areas of the state.

Ado also said the operation saw the destruction of 86 drums and 25 surface tanks filled with stolen crude oil, adding that 27 dugout pits were discovered in the raid.

Over 10 tents belonging to the criminals were reportedly also set ablaze.

“Other illegal oil bunkering equipment discovered during the operation includes 29 cooking oven and 10 pumping machines.

“The sites and the products were destroyed in line with the JTF operation in Niger Delta.

“The operation is a continuous one based on intelligent information aimed at eradicating illegal oil bunkering in the region,” he said.

Ado said JTF would not relent in its efforts at stemming illegal bunkering in the creeks and territorial waterways.

“We have been highly motivated with the procurement of 30 fighting gun boats and 30 operational patrol vans to combat crime in the region.

“I assure you of the command’s determination in the war against oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other criminal activities affecting the socio-economic development in the region,” he said.

Ado, however, called on the people of Delta and indeed the entire Niger Delta region to assist the task force with useful information to enable it track miscreants in the region.

Credit: NAN