The Delta State Waterways and Land Security Committee has handed over four suspected oil bunkers to the Police.
While briefing reporters about the development, the Chairman of the committee, which was inaugurated late last year, Boro Oputu, said the suspects were also disposing locally refined diesel, produced and stored in caravans.
According to Mr Oputu, the mandate of the committee required that illegal bunkery sites and refineries in Delta State must be destroyed.
Although the preliminary investigation had already begun to unravel sponsors of the activity, he explained that an attempt to carry out the mandate eventually led to arguments and exchange of gunshots. He said that the suspects handed over to the police would be prosecuted.
While the suspects denied owning the refinery and accused the committee of requesting for a one million Naira bribe, the Head of Operations, Alfred Kperegbeyi, refuted the claims.
The group assured the people of Delta State and Nigerians that they would not rest until the state was rid of illegal bunkering activities.
They also asked the residents to provide timely information that could lead to the arrest of oil thieves and pipeline vandals.