The Joint Task Force on pipeline vandalism in Kogi State has arrested seven suspected persons in connection with the illegal refinery discovered in Emomo village in Okene Local Government Area of the state.
Conducting journalists round the refinery, the JTF Commander, Lt. Col. Gabriel Olufemi along with the State Acting Commandant of the Nigeria Civil Defence and Security Corps, (NCDSC), Kingsley Oguntuwase said the suspected vandals were arrested following a tip-off.
He siad that other suspects still at large include the alleged owner of the refinery, Ola Olumide, based in Warri in Delta State.
Col. Olufemi said the illegal activities of the vandals were well coordinated as they connected a pipe to the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) pipe which they use to draw crude oil to their refinery.
The Commander said after refining the crude oil, they loaded it into drums for onward movement to unknown destinations.
The JTF boss called on the security checkpoints on the Okene- Lokoja-Abuja as well as Okene-Auchi-Benin roads to ensure thorough checking of trucks transporting fuel to ensure that their way-bills are in order so that those moving the illegal fuel can be arrested.
Source: Daily Trust
