The military Joint Task Force in Niger Delta, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) says it has uncovered 50 illegal refining sites at the Biseni forest in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The operation was led by the Commander of OPDS, Rear Admiral JOHN OKEKE.

According to the OKEKE, the illegal refining of stolen crude oil was carried out at the sites on daily basis before it was uncovered by the military.

Speaking with newsmen after the operation, OKEKE stated that a large dugout open pit found in one of the illegal refining sites can accommodate more than 10 trucks of Alternative Gas Oil (AGO), holding crude oil from where they distribute to their cooking site.

OKEKE said he had earlier warned oil thieves in the area to desist from the illegal business or relocate to another area.

He added that the menace has culminated in revenue losses estimated at 1.29 trillion naira annually.