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Tag: Illegal Refineries

  • Wike kicks as police deny preventing demolition of illegal refineries in Rivers

    Wike kicks as police deny preventing demolition of illegal refineries in Rivers

    The police command in Rivers has denied the report that its personnel prevented the destruction of an illegal oil bunkering site in the state.

    The command’s Acting Spokesman, DSP Grace Iringe-Koko, said in a statement in Port Harcourt on Wednesday that policemen who visited the illegal refining site for operation were resisted.

    Iringe-Koko said that it was untrue that policemen prevented the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council from demolishing the refining site located at Ogbogoro community.

    She described the report as carried by a national newspaper as grossly misleading and untrue.

    According to her, the council chairman, Mr George Ariolu, actually visited the site with a detachment of policemen led by ACP Akika Solomon.

    She explained further that the chairman’s team was confronted and resisted by no fewer than 20 armed personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

    ”The NSCDC personnel were violently opposed to the inspection of the depot. In the ensuing altercation, two NSCDC officials corked their rifles against the police.

    ”They were eventually disarmed and arrested by the police before Ariolu had access into the depot,” she stated.

    Iringi-Koko urged members of the public to disregard the report and appealed to journalists to thoroughly verify their facts before publication.

    ”We are fully committed to fighting the war against illegal oil bunkering to a logical conclusion,” she said.

    In his reaction, Mr Bature Aliyu, NSCDC Commandant in Rivers, dismissed claims that the site was used for illegal oil activities.

    ”The marine exhibit yard in Ogbogoro jetty is not an illegal bunkering site.

    ”It is a holding bay used by NSCDC to detain boats, vessels, barges and drums used for illegal oil bunkering,” he said.

    Aliyu, who spoke through the command’s Assistant Commandant of Corps, Michael Oguntuase, said that NSCDC’s Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi, visited and endorsed the site in 2021.

    ”So, the yard is NSCDC’s marine exhibits yard and not an illegal dump.

    ”Most of the exhibits there were arrested by the Nigerian Navy and handed over to us, while some of the arrests were made by us.

    ”The Ogbogoro jetty is a no-go area for anybody because destroying the yard means destroying the exhibits,” he said.

    Aliyu urged members of the public to report any NSCDC personnel found culpable of oil theft, illegal bunkering and vandalism in the state.

    Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers had declared war on operators of illegal refineries and announced a reward of N2 million for each reported to authorities.

    Several suspects, including highly placed individuals have so far been arrested in the state by the police in connection with the illicit activities.

    Wike orders LGA Chairmen to destroy all illegal refinery sites in Rivers

    Meanwhile, Wike has ordered all the 23 Local Government Area Chairmen in the State to hire bulldozers and destroy every identified illegal crude oil bunkering and artisanal refinery sites.

    Wike gave the order on Wednesday in a statement issued to newsmen by Mr Kelvin Ebiri, his Special Assistant on Media, after meeting with the 23 Local Government Area Chairmen, the State Commissioner of Police and the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Port Harcourt.

    He also asked the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Eboka Friday, to provide adequate security for the local government area chairmen as they embark on the mass destruction of illegal refinery sites across the State.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Gov. Wike issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the 23 local government area chairmen on Jan. 14, to provide him a comprehensive list of all illegal refinery sites and their operators within their respective jurisdiction.

    Wike said with the receipt of the list of identified illegal refinery sites, the state government will provide financial support to the local government area chairmen to hire bulldozers and swamp buggies for the purpose of destroying all the sites.

    “I will not relent in this fight. And all of you should hire bulldozers. All those areas where the illegal refinery sites are in the bush, in the creek, clear the place. Government will give you some money to go and hire bulldozers to go and clear the sites so that they will know we are serious,” he said.

    According to the Governor, the government will not allow those engaged in illegitimate business to operate in Rivers State.

    “One thing I want to say and which is very clear, and like everybody knows, I am not against anybody making money. But, we cannot allow people to make money, while others are dying,” he stated.

    Wike acknowledged that since the State government intensified the fight against illegal refinery operators, who are primarily responsible for the discharge of impure carbon particles resulting from the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons into the atmosphere, the air quality in parts of the state has improved remarkably.

    He said he is mindful that as the State government intensifies the war against illegal refinery activities, the cartel behind these illicit businesses will make effort to compromise unscrupulous security agents in the state.

    Wike warned that he will personally visit the Inspector General of Police, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Chief of Army Staff in Abuja, to report any of their personnel implicated in illegal crude oil bunkering and artisanal refinery activities in the state.

    “You know in Nigeria, we don’t believe that anything can happen. We don’t take the government seriously, but in our own case, they have no choice, they’ll take us seriously,” he stated.

    The Governor said his administration cannot fold its arms and watch some deviant persons destroy the environment and health of the citizens while waiting for the Federal Government to come up with action to end the soot crisis in the oil-producing states.

  • Dikio supports war against illegal refineries in Niger Delta

    Dikio supports war against illegal refineries in Niger Delta

    The Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Col. Milland Dixon Dikio (rtd), says he supports the war against illegal refineries across the Niger Delta region.

    A statement issued on Sunday by Mr Nneotabase Egbe, Special Adviser on Media to Dikio, quoted him as giving his endorsement at the weekend in Port Harcourt while speaking at the 50th anniversary dinner and award night of the Port Harcourt Polo Club.

    Dikio applauded the move by Gov Nyesom Wike for leading the efforts to stamp out illegal refineries in Rivers, saying that Wike’s efforts should be complemented by all stakeholders in the region.

    He said illegal refineries were not the only cause of the environmental devastation in the region, insisting that other harmful practices were also responsible for polluting the environment.

    “I commend the Rivers State Governor, Wike, for taking on the issue of illegal oil refineries also known as kpofire head on.

    “But, a lot of work still needs to be done. Kpofire is not the only pollutant and so individually and collectively what are we doing, especially the corporate entities to reduce unwanted emissions into our environment”? Dikio asked.

    Dikio, also urged the people of the Niger Delta to stop bickering over the percentage in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), saying that opportunities would be created for future negotiation.

    “I will say that instead of quarrelling about the percentage, we should be talking about what to do with the percentage we got, build on it and we can have another discussion after that”, Dikio said.

    While reinforcing the PAP’s Train, Employ and Mentor (TEM) model, Dikio said in the next 10 years, the Niger Delta should have a critical mass that would make people of the region competitive in all spheres.

    He said: “We’re looking for partnership with businesses that can train these ex-agitators and give them the required skills for employment in their businesses.

    “We in PAP will pay for the training. It is a partnership because we want those who train them to guarantee that they will employ them.

    “We are doing this as a departure from the old model which only trained people and put them back in the bloated unemployment market. We feel that is a waste of money and everybody’s time. It also increases the anxiety level in the economy and the polity”.

    Earlier, the Chief Host, King Alfred Diette-Spiff, said the game of Polo was catching up in the South-South noting that contrary to what many people thought, Polo was no longer an elite game.

    On his part, President of the Port Harcourt Polo Club, Mr. Chukwudi Dimkpa said that from its humble beginning in 1972,the club had grown to become the preferred Polo club in Nigeria and Africa.

    The highpoint of the event was the presentation of awards and the launch and fund raising for the Arena Polo Turf and Children Riding School.

  • Wike orders LGA Chairmen to produce illegal refinery operators

    Wike orders LGA Chairmen to produce illegal refinery operators

    …directs immediate redeployment of DPO, NSCDC officer implicated in illegal refinery activities

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the 23 Local Government Chairmen to provide a comprehensive list of illegal refineries and their operators within their jurisdiction.

    Wike gave the ultimatum at a meeting with the council chairmen and heads of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air force, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Police, the Directorate of State Service and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps at Government House on Friday.

    He challenged the council chairmen to prove that they are not complicit in the noxious business that has continued to threaten the health of Rivers people and the national economy.

    The Governor stated that as a responsible government, it will be unwise for them to fold their hands and do nothing to safeguard residents of the state from the death that is forced upon them by criminal minded operators of artisanal refineries.

    “Now, every council chairman must go and identify where illegal refineries are taking place. If you identify one, you get N2m (Two million Naira). So, go and identify as many as you can. I will pay N2m for each one. And I am going to fight against this. Our people are dying and we owe our people the responsibility to protect them, to save them from death they never caused.

    “So, you must, and you’re given 48 hours to go and identify all illegal refineries sites, and those who are in charge of them.

    Governor Wike emphasised that any of the council chairmen who is afraid to join in the fight against these criminals operating the illegal refineries should be ready to resign.

    According to the governor, part of their social contract with their people is also to protect them and stop any illegal economy practices in their domains.

    “I’ve called you here to tell you that it’s a total war. It is either we do it or we don’t do it. We cannot allow what is going on to continue. Two things; our people are dying, two, it’s shortening our own revenue.

    “You check from Federation Account, Akwa Ibom and Delta States are getting more, why? Because, these boys of the cartel have caused so much problems for us. So we will not allow it.”

    The Rivers State governor also frown at security agencies for the role some of their personnel have played in aiding and providing cover to the operators of the illegal refineries in the State.

    The governor urged the State Police Commissioner, Eboka Friday, to redeploy out of the state a particular DPO in Emohua Local Government Area who operates an illegal refinery in the area.

    “It’s unfortunate for this country how security people will be involved in illegal bunkering. I can’t believe it. Mr. CP, I thank you for transferring the DPO in Rumuji, who owns a refinery. But the man must leave here, not transferred. He must leave this state. I can’t be Governor here and security man owns an illegal refinery. No, it is not possible…the man has to go. Take him to wherever they allow bunkering.”

    Governor Wike directed the CP to immediately arrest Chief W. J. Wocha, Fubara Ohaka, and chief Promise Ezekwe, who have been fingered for operating illegal refineries deep inside the forest of Ibaa community in Emohua Local Government Area.

    The governor further urged Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Rivers State command, to immediately transfer its personnel in charge of vandalization of pipelines in the State.

    “Transfer the man, and tell him to leave. He is a complete saboteur. I mean, how can security men be the one involved in this. What kind of country are we?”

    He urged the Department of State Service (DSS) to profile persons involved in the heinous illegal refining business and make the list available to him. He assured of acting on the list.

  • Navy destroys 2,287 illegal refineries between 2015 to 2019 – CNS Ibas

    Navy destroys 2,287 illegal refineries between 2015 to 2019 – CNS Ibas

    The Nigerian Navy says its anti-crude oil theft operations have destroyed a total of 2, 287 illegal refineries between 2015 to 2019.

    The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas, disclosed this at a news conference on Friday in Abuja.

    Ibas, who was represented by Rear Adm. Ifeola Mohammed, Chief of Policy and Plans, Naval Headquarters, also disclosed that all was set for the Nigerian Navy’s 64th anniversary scheduled to hold from May 25, to June 1.

    He noted that the Service had performed credibly well in the fight against crude oil and illegal oil bunkering through operations conducted by its ‘Operational Bases and Forward Operating Bases’ (FOBs) within the period under review.

    “The bases cumulatively destroyed a total of 2,287 illegal refineries between 2015 to 2019.

    “These activities were complemented with series of swamp buggy operations in the areas where illegal refineries were discovered.

    “A breakdown of the destroyed illegal refineries from 2015 to 2019 shows that in 2015, about 140 illegal refineries were destroyed and 128 illegal refining sites also destroyed in 2016.

    “However, in 2017, a total of 1,218 illegal refineries were destroyed, while 383 and 418 illegal refining sites were destroyed in 2018 and 2019, respectively.

    “From records, 2017 recorded the highest number of illegal refining sites destroyed. This figure decreased in 2018 and later increased slightly in 2019.

    “The reduction in the number of illegal refining sites destroyed from 2017 to 2019 could be attributed to the ongoing swamp buggy operations in the Niger Delta which makes it difficult for perpetrators to reactivate destroyed illegal refining sites,” he said.

    The Naval Chief said the Service in five years had also invested in local content development through the local construction of Seaward Defence Boats (SDB).

    Ibas said the second locally built SDB, NNS KARADUWA, was inaugurated in 2016 while her sister ship, a third locally built SDB, was programmed to join the Service this year.

    “In an effort to boost operations, 12 Manta Class boats and Inshore Patrol Craft were acquired and will be inducted into the fleet this year (2020).

    “For Riverine Operations, the CNS said the Service took delivery of 148 River Patrol boats, with another 24 expected in the later part of 2020.

    “Thirty six Rigid Inflatable Boats were also procured, with another batch of 56 programmed for delivery in 2020 ending,” he said.

    Ibas said the Nigerian Navy in its renewed emphasis on fleet renewal, also acquired three Whaler boats that were also expected to join fleet this year.

    “Other acquisitions under this ambitious fleet renewal effort are the acquisition and deployment of 11 houseboats for the Choke Point Management and Control operations.

    “One houseboat is also expected to be deployed in 2020. One tug boat has been inducted into the Service, while 2 others are expected to join the fleet in 2020.

    “Similarly, one water barge and one fuel barge are expected in 2020. The Nigerian Navy equally committed enormous resources to equipment availability to support its operations.

    “Accordingly, the Nigerian Navy took delivery of a total of 168 outboard engines with requisite spares.

    “As part of the Ministry of Defence’s critical intervention, the Nigerian Navy just took delivery of one Leonardo AW139 helicopter and is currently being inducted,” he said.

    Ibas noted that the Service instituted dedicated operations and initiatives to enhance its policing capability toward the peaceful use of the nation’s maritime environment.

    “These initiatives have engendered several recorded successes in the operations of the bases. For instance, 2016 which recorded the highest piracy attacks in the past five years recorded 70 incidents of piracy attacks.

    “Out of these, 51 were successful while 19 were unsuccessful. Also, in 2017, there were 48 piracy related cases, out of which 27 were successful while in 2018, there were 36 reported cases and only 9 successful.

    “Furthermore, in 2019, 21 piracy related cases were reported and only seven of these attacks were successful.

    “As at May 20, there were nine pirate attacks of which only two were successful and seven unsuccessful,” he said.

    Ibas said a total of 449 suspected smugglers were arrested and their boats with products were handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service for further action.

  • Joint Task Force destroys over 300 illegal refineries in Niger Delta

    Joint Task Force destroys over 300 illegal refineries in Niger Delta

    Rear Adm. Apochi Suleiman, the Commander, Joint Task Force codenamed: “Operation Delta Safe” (OPDS) says no fewer than 300 illegal refineries have been destroyed in the ongoing operation.

    Suleiman made this known to newsmen on Wednesday at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS), Warri Naval base.

    He said that a suspected militant and member of a “kill and bury” gang identified as Gift Apollo, who allegedly killed a soldier in August was also apprehended during the operations.

    The task force commander said that the operation tagged: “OPERATION 777” was launched by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin on Oct. 10 and accordingly activated by the OPDS.

    Suleiman said that it was to further reinvigorate the operations of the task force to disrupt activities of the criminal elements ahead of the yuletide and the 2019 general elections.

    The commander said the “OPERATION 777” had made remarkable achievement in meeting its objectives.

    “Cases of illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism and associated criminalities do increase during major festivities and election years.

    “This necessitated the launching of `OPERATION 777’ by the CDS and activated by the OPDS.

    “The `OPERATION 777’ has made huge achievement as over 300 illegal refineries, 156 locally manufactured boats, 1,085 surface tanks have been destroyed.

    “Additionally, 15 barges, 10 tanker trucks, 31 vehicles, 45 speed boats, 16 outboard engines, 41 pumping machines, 15 generating sets and 76 other items have been impounded.

    “It is also worthy to mention that six different types of arms and over 100 items of munitions were recovered during the period in focus.

    “Importantly, a wanted militant and member of `kill and bury’ gang named Gift Apollo was arrested during the operations.

    “The group was responsible for the attack and death of our soldier deployed in Abua/Odua sometime in August,” he said.

    Suleiman said that the JTF also conducted anti-illegal bunkering/anti-illegal refining operations at Okaki Community in Bayelsa in which over 100 reservoirs and an estimated 210 metric tonnes of Automated Gasoline Oil were destroyed.

    He also said that the JTF rescued seven Nigerians maintenance workers of Agip Oil Company who were kidnapped by gunmen on Oct. 5 in Azuzuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa.

    “OPERATION 777 is simultaneously conducted with OPERATION CROCODILE SMILE 3.

    “We are collaborating and sharing actionable intelligence as both operation is meant to curb criminal activities in the Niger Delta,” he said.

    Suleiman called on the law abiding citizens in the region to go about their legitimate businesses, assuring them that the JTF would continue to protect them and the environment.

     

  • Edo NSCDC destroys 16 illegal refineries

    The Anti-Vandal Unit of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) in Edo has destroyed 16 illegal refineries in the last six months.

    The State Commandant of the Corps, Makinde Ayinla, disclosed this on Tuesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin.

    Ayinla said that the illegal refineries destroyed included eight in Edo South Senatorial district, six in Edo North and two in Edo Central.

    He also said that about 350,000 litres of illegally refined and adulterated petroleum product was seized and destroyed by the unit within the period.

    The Counter Terrorist Unit of the command, he added, arrested 14 suspects for various offences ranging from phone snatching to armed robbery.

    He further said that the Legal Unit secured five convictions, while 23 cases were still pending in various courts within the period under review.

    The Commandant told NAN that the Peace and Conflict Resolution Unit between January and June handled 10 cases, with seven concluded and three still ongoing.

    He also disclosed that the Private Guard Companies (PGCs) Department during the period sealed three PGCs for illegal operations while it registered and licensed 61.

    He also said that the department provided training and retraining for 18 private guard supervisors.

    Ayinla further said the Solid Minerals Unit of the command within the same period arrested nine illegal miners for operating various pits and quarry sites within the state.

    “Our Agro-Allied Unit within the period arrested nine suspected herdsmen with various locally made arms in various parts of the state.

    ” Also our Anti Human Trafficking and Illegal Migration Unit arrested two persons for alleged sexual assault and abuse of minors,’’ he also said.

    The Anti Fraud Unit of the command, he said, handled 25 cases of fraud which led to the cash recovery of N2. 27 million.

    He further said that the Operations Department within the period covered various operations, just as the Critical National Asset and Infrastructure Department deployed its personnel for the protection and preservation of government assets within the state.

     

  • Navy destroys 1500 illegal refineries in Delta

    The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta has destroyed about 1500 illegal refineries with swamp buggy in the Delta creeks in the last two months.

    The Commander of the ship, Commodore Ibrahim Dewu, disclosed this to newsmen in Warri on Wednesday.

    Swamp buggy is an amphibious vehicle used to traverse a swampy terrain.

    Dewu said the destruction exercise was carried out in the creeks of Otumara, Ogbegugu, Okpuku in the Warri creeks.

    He added that personnel of the command were currently on the Bennett Island in Warri South Local Government Area of the state in continuation of the exercise.

    He said that the perpetrators had devised means of preventing the soldiers and the swamp buggy from gaining access to the sites by blocking the entrances with logs or setting fire around the sites.

    The commander, however, said their antics would not deter the soldiers from carrying out their statutory obligation of completely eradicating illegalities in the maritime domain.

    “It takes us time to remove the logs for our men and the swamp buggy to have access but we are determined,” he said.

    He said the criminals’ activities were also contributing to the degradation of the ecosystem.

    “The antics of the criminal elements will not deter us from eradicating the illegality with the aide of swamp buggy which I believe will bring a lasting solution to economic sabotage.

    ” We decided to apply swamp buggy because it is more environment friendly and difficult for the perpetrators to resuscitate the illicit business since their facilities are also crushed completely in the process.

    “Apart from that, we also do post-monitoring of the various sites we have destroyed to ensure that the criminals do not return to reactivate them.

    “So far, the exercise has been successful and we will not rest on our oars until the illegalities are completely eradicated in our maritime domain,” he said.

    In one of the operations on Bennett Island on June 12, the perpetrators set fire around the vicinity of the illegal refinery to prevent the soldiers from entering.

    The navy personnel then created alternative means for themselves, journalists and the swamp buggy to gain access and therefore, crushed the criminals’ equipment amid thick smoke and rain.

     

  • JTF stops burning illegal refineries

    The Joint Military Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta, says it has adopted environmentally friendly methods in combating oil theft and illegal refining in the region

    Brig.-Gen Kevin Aligbe, Land Component Commander of the joint force code-named “Operation Delta Safe,” disclosed this on Sunday in Yenagoa.

    Alighe said that troops of the command had introduced the use of swamp buggies in destroying illegal refineries as opposed to setting the camps ablaze.

    He said the force used special equipment to crush the accessories and materials used at illegal refining sites.

    He further said that the method had made it economically unviable for such sites to spring up again after raids by the joint force.

    The commandant noted that the adverse impact of pollution caused by illegal refineries was enormous.

    He commander said that some people’s perception that the destruction of illegal refineries was doing damage to the environment was erroneous.

    Aligbe said it was the processes in the illegal refining that actually degraded the Niger Delta environment.

    According to him, the crude distillation process used by illegal refineries is inefficient and causes a pollution of the environment.

    He said that only 30 per cent of the volume of crude stolen by illegal refiners is converted to products.

    The commandant said the remaining 70 per cent was wasted and dispersed in the surrounding environment near the camps.

    “Our operations are always carried out with the environment in mind; we deploy methods that are environmentally friendly and safe and we do not burn stolen crude as believed in some quarters.

    “In fact, burning of products either refined or crude is out of question because it is the evidence that is required to prosecute the suspects that are arrested during raids of illegal refineries.

    “We seize the products and after using them as evidence they are disposed in accordance with the oil industry safety regulations.

    “We are conscious of the fact that the environment sustains the people’s livelihood.

    “The damage that illegal refineries do to the environment is colossal and that is part of the reasons we are fighting to stamp it out.

    “The operators are fighting back and we remain resolute,” he said.

    Aligbe noted that the joint military force was committed to its mandate of safeguarding oil facilities and preventing sundry criminalities in the region.

    The commandant said that the aim was to pave way for economic progress and solicited the support of Niger Delta people.

     

  • #StopTheSoot: Gov. Wike directs ‘Rivers of soot’ blame to FG

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has called on those planning to demonstrate against the presence of soot to channel their protest to the Federal Government.

    He said the Federal Government is strictly responsible for the degradation and pollution of the Rivers environment.

    Speaking at the Government House Port Harcourt on Monday during the inauguration of the Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency, Governor Wike urged the #StopTheSoot campaigners to demonstrate against the Federal Government in the interest of justice.

    He said that the Rivers State Government has done all that it is supposed to do, including advocacy and enlightenment campaigns, with no action from the Federal Government.

    “I hear that people want to demonstrate that there is soot in the state. Help us demonstrate against the Federal Government and we will all be happy.

    “This is because we have no control over the sources of soot. Do I go to shutdown the Refinery? Will they not say that it is economic sabotage?

    “Do I even have the security? Do I control the Police or the Army to go and stop oil production at the refinery?” Wike stated.

    Governor Wike added that the State Government cannot stop the Nigerian Navy from destroying illegal refineries in ways that release dangerous substances to pollute the environment.

    He said all entreaties have fallen on deaf ears, and that nobody is happy about the presence of soot in the state as its effect is non-discriminatory.

    The governor said it is necessary to properly situate those with the responsibility of stopping the soot, rather than protesting for the sake of creating social tension.

    He, however, assured the people of Rivers State that the administration will continue to prevail on the security agencies and regulatory institutions to take the right step to stop the soot.

     

  • Gov. Wike faults method adopted by security agencies in destroying illegal refineries

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that the black soot damaging the state’s environment is mainly caused by Federal Security Agencies destroying illegal refineries.

    Governor Wike stated that the Rivers State Government has formally approached the Federal Government to help resolve the challenge, without any assistance from that quarter.

    Speaking during a special appearance on Channels Television Sunrise Daily at the Government House Port Harcourt on Friday, Governor Wike said that security agencies must find alternative ways of destroying illegal refineries.

    He said: “We set up a technical committee to investigate the black soot problem. The committee’s report indicated that the black soot was largely a product of the destruction of illegal refineries by security agencies.

    “It is not within the purview of the state government to tackle control the security agencies. Therefore, we met with them and appealed that they find alternative ways to destroy the illegal refineries.

    “We also appealed to the Federal Government to intervene, but so far they are yet to do anything”.

    The governor added: “We have prioritised this issue, but we cannot stop the security agencies. There must be a refined way of stopped the oil criminals, without damaging the environment “.

    He said that politics must be separated from governance in respect of issues that affect the people.

    “We should separate politics from governance. This issue of environmental challenge posed by the black soot requires the direct intervention of the Federal Government.

    “We are working with all major stakeholders to address this challenge. We are working with international oil companies to provide needed solutions. The Federal Government should as a matter of urgency intervene, because the solution is within her purview “, Governor Wike said.

    The governor explained that the Rivers State Government’s Committee has taken the fundamental steps of checking the indiscriminate burning of tyres, but the major challenge is the manner the Security Agencies destroy illegal refineries.