Some indigenes of Rivers State on Monday commended the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) in the state for its continued efforts to stop illegal bunkering and piracy in the creeks.

A businessman, Mr. Christopher Fibresima, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt that continuous patrol by the JTF led to the discovery and closure of many illegal local refineries in the area.

Fibresima, a former Chairman, Community Development Committee of Kula in Akuku-Toru Local Government of Rivers, said the closure of the illegal refineries was necessary to have a clean, healthy and safe environment.

“We all know the environmental hazards illegal refining of petroleum had cost us as a nation, so, we should all commend the efforts of the military.

“The nation lost so much through oil theft and bunkering that had gone on unabated in the past. We must support the JTF to succeed.”

Mr. Tams Ibuluya, an indigene of Okrika town, said the operation of the military was long overdue to fight criminality in the creeks.

Ibuluya said the illegal refineries and oil theft in the creeks were inimical to the national economy and as such should not be allowed to continue.

He said no responsible government would allow its economy to be sabotaged by the activities of criminals.

“The illegal activities of the youths in the creeks constitute crime against the nation and humanity and this must be dealt with decisively.”

Mr. Somiari Ogolo, a Port Harcourt-based social critic, said the action of the JTF was a step in the right direction to curb the activities of criminals in the creeks of the Niger Delta.

Ogolo said illegal oil bunkering and refining of crude in the creeks should be condemned by all Nigerians because of the negative effects on the economy and environment.

“Economic activities that are not permitted by the law must be stopped to check economic sabotage.

“Our environment has been polluted and the economy badly affected by illegal oil bunkering and refining of crude.”

Ogolo said the renewed vigour by the JTF to curb criminal activities in the creeks would save the economy and the people in the area that were being attacked daily.

Mr. Louis Wariboko, a resident of Soku in Akuku-Toru council of the state, decried illegal oil theft and refining of crude in the creeks.

“The effects of these activities in our area have been terrible. Our environment is polluted such that we cannot get sea food. Our farm land is also polluted and we cannot plant crops.

“We commend the JTF for raiding the creeks to salvage the coastal communities and save them from these illegal acts.” (NAN)

•Photo shows Illegal Oil bunkering site