A group in the Niger Delta region known as the Niger-Delta Environment Restoration Coalition (NDERC) has applauded the Defence Headquarters in their present assault on crude oil thieves and pipeline vandals plying their illicit trade within the region.
This statement was made by the President of the group, Mr Justice Eselomo on Friday in Abuja.
According to Eselomo, the Military’s renewed assault on the oil thieves has helped checkmate the huge amount of money that would have been lost as well as the Flora and Fauna within the region.
Also, the health of the people within the region has been greatly preserved by their action.
Eselomo further hinted that positive results were being achieved daily by the troops and this is as a result of the troops resolve in the different operations.
The group also hailed Gen. Lucky Irabor, the Chief of Defence for his commitment at ridding the region off saboteurs resident in the region.
“We recall that the CDS took his message against oil theft to the Niger-Delta where he met the Amayanabo of Nembe Kingdom, King Edmund Daukoru and other stakeholders of the region.
“We also commend the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo and men of the Navy for their remarkable efforts.
“In just 14 days, troops discovered a total of 3.07 million litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 3.8 million litres of crude oil, 14,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit and 14,000 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosine in the hands of the thieves.
“This will give an idea of what the country was loosing before the renewed vigour of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to go after the thieves,” he said.
Eselomo however added that the people of the region should cooperate immensely with the Armed Forces to enable them achieve the onerous task of cleansing the region of criminals causing environmental pollution, degradation as well as endangering peoples lives.
“Posterity will judge us on the kind of environment we leave for generations unborn.
“It is time we put our country and health above quest for illegal bunkering which has devastated our communities and in some cases lose of lives,” he added.
