Five members of the same family have been arrested by the Rivers state police command alongside 13 others, for allegedly operating an illegal refinery in the South-South state.
The family members were nabbed in a remote community of Mgbu-Atafia in Emohua Local Government Area “for providing their land to persons for use in illegal oil refining and bunkering activities.”
The other suspects were arrested for operating an artisanal refining site and taking part in the haulage of finished products within the state, Channels TV reports.
Two tankers and two large trucks used for the illegal storage and transportation of suspected illegally refined petroleum products were also impounded by the police.
The state Commissioner of Police, Eboka Friday who paraded the suspects warned residents against getting involved in such economic sabotage as they risk getting arrested and prosecuted.
There is now an aggressive attempt by the Rivers State government and the police authorities to tackle the menace of illegal refining of crude oil which is identified as a major contributor to the emission of soot in the state.
In a New Year broadcast, governor Nyesom Wike directed chairmen of local council authorities to identify and destroy illegal refining sites in their domain.
In his second broadcast a week later, the governor placed 19 persons on the wanted list for operating artisanal refining sites in parts of Obio/Akpor and Ikwerre local government areas.
He had threatened to reveal more names from other parts of Rivers State if such illegal activities persist. None of those declared wanted has been arrested.
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