Officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force led by the Warri Area Commander, ACP Mohammed Mukta Garba, Friday chased illegal bunkers and destroyed a large quantity of “illegally refined” Automotive Gasoline Oil, AGO, and kerosene in Mason community, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The products destroyed by the police operatives were loaded in drums, jerrycans and sacks. Others were hidden inside a wooden boat.
No suspect was arrested in the sting operation which lasted for an hour, as the illegal bunkers ran away when they sighted the Police coming towards their direction.
In a chat with newsmen, the Warri Area Commander of the Nigeria Police, ACP Mohammed Mukta Garba said the exercise was meant to warn the illegal bunkers to desist from the criminal business which pollutes the environment and endangers the lives of the citizens.
ACP Garba said he will not condone illegal bunkering within his jurisdiction, stressing that he acted following a tip-off that some elements were sabotaging the Federal Government through illegal bunkering in the area.
“I received information from above that I should come and see the place. The information was true that some people are sabotaging federal government by doing illegal bunkering.
“This is a sound warning to them. I am here to work for the Federal Government and I will not condone illegal bunkering.
“I will make it uncomfortable for them, they must desist from the illicit business.”
Garba warned his officers against compromise, saying: “anyone caught would face the full weight of the law.
“The police will take action against any officer that comprised. They should work as Police Officers. Of course, I do not think a sensible police officer will be a party to illegal bunkering.
“It is drizzling and I am here to perform my duty as a Police Officer. It is going to be a continuous exercise.”
ACP Garba also said he would write an invitation letter to leaders of Mason community after seeking and getting permission, to come and explain why they harbour illegal bunkering in their land.
