Two suspected oil thieves, including a 29-year-old unemployed graduate of Metallurgy, were over the weekend nabbed by the officers of the 3rd Battalion, Effurun and Joint Task Force (JTF), at Gbaramatu kingdom in Delta State.

The second suspect, 22, hails from Ewu, while the metallurgy graduate is from Afiesere, both in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state. They were arrested when soldiers stormed the area to destroy illegal oil refineries

Over 5,000 drums of underhandedly refined diesel, 300 surface tanks, 60 giant Contonou boats, huge quantity of stolen crude oil and five speed boats were destroyed in the eight-hour operation.

The operation was led by Lt. Col. Ifeanyi Otu, Commanding Officer, 3rd Battalion, who told journalists that, “the operation shows our tenacity in obeying the rule of law in the country”.

On the increase in illegal bunkering and refineries, he stated that he is not surprised because “it has to do with individuals. We have talked to them severally to engage in legitimate business, but some are adamant.”

“We will not rest on our oars because we have achieved so much. We will continue to destroy their illicit business until it is stopped” he added.