Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike on Thursday inspected two illegal refining sites recently discovered in Ikwerre and Emohua local government areas by the council chairmen.
The Governor was accompanied by the State Commissioner of Police, Eboka Friday, and other leaders of the state.
The Governor ordered the arrest of those sponsoring the operation of the illegal refineries in the state, some of whom are said to be prominent businessmen in the state.
A visibly angry Wike, after inspecting the sites, urged the police to go after the culprits and directed the State Attorney-General, Professor Zacchaeus Adangor to take over the files of those arrested far from the police for state prosection.
He also demanded the redeployment of a divisional police officer said to be involved in the illegal activities in Emohua local government area.
The newly fabricated artisanal refining equipment being installed in Rumuji community forest in Emohua local government area in Rivers State was busted by a team led by Chidi Lloyd, Chairman of the Council on Wednesday.
Acting on credible intelligence,Lloyd on Wednesday led a combined team of security personnel and Task force on illegal oil bunkering activities to a newly constructed illegal petroleum refining site in Rumuji town, Emohua local government area.
Construction work was being concluded for the take off of the new illegal refinery with over 15 tanks and receivers already fabricated and installed in the site.
