The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited has destroyed an illegal filling station discovered by the former militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo.
According to reports, the discovery was made in Opete, Udu local government area, Delta state, by Tompolo’s security outfit, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), and reported to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.
It was disclosed that the filling station was operating oil bunkering.
Also, the security firm belonging to Tompolo uncovered a barge (an ocean tanker) at Asugbo area along the Excravos in Delta State, with two arrested.
The General Manager of Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), a subsidiary of NNPC Limited, Aliyu Zarah, led the exercise to inspect the filling station before it was destroyed by a bulldozer.
Also, the barge was set ablaze to prevent further use of the non-ocean-going tanker used to transport crude oil and refined products in coastal waters and inland waterways.
“A delegation from NNPC ltd led by the General Manager Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, Mr Aliyu Zarah arrived from Abuja with media houses from Abuja for covering of the handling of some arrested platforms and facilities used for illegal bunkering activities,” A source was quoted by Vanguard.
“The delegation was received by the Commanding officer 3 Battalion, Rear, Major I.H. Liman and executives of Tantita security services Nigeria limited.
“They proceeded to Opete community in Udu local government area, Delta state to inspect a filling station discovered to be used for illegal bunkering.
“On arrival, the team was briefed by the Technical Director of Tantita , Mr Warredi Enisuoh on the details of the discovery.
“A bulldozer was mobilized to commence demolition of the filling station while troops provided security cover for the exercise.
“Same day the delegation from NNPC, Tantita , media and the security proceeded to Asugbo general area along Excravos river to inspect a non-propelled barge arrested independently by Tantita security services limited.
“It was revealed that two suspects were arrested with the barge. The arrested barge was appropriately handled with security coverage provided by troops and the Joint Task Force South-south, Operation Delta Safe,” the source said in the report.
