The Nigerian Army has warned hotels and business owners in Bayelsa State to stop using illegally refined oil products, saying the act causes serious harm to the environment, economy, and public health.
This warning was given during a special workshop held on Wednesday, May 1, at the 16 Brigade Headquarters in Yenagoa, the state capital. The event was organised to educate selected hotels and other commercial businesses on the dangers of buying and using such products.
Brigadier General Oluremi Obolo, Commander of the 16 Brigade and also leader of Sector 2, Joint Task Force South-South Operation Delta Safe, said illegal oil refining continues to harm the Niger Delta region.
“The Niger Delta, despite its huge contribution to Nigeria’s wealth, is suffering greatly because of crude oil theft, illegal refining, and black market trade,” Obolo said.
He added that some hotels are now using these illegal products, making the situation worse.
“Using cheap, illegally refined oil may seem like a good business move in the short term, but it supports criminal groups, damages the environment, and increases health and safety risks for everyone,” he warned.
Obolo said the military cannot fight this issue alone. He called for support from the public, businesses, and government agencies.
“We need a combined effort from everyone—security agencies, communities, businesses, and government—to stop this problem,” he said.
Experts at the event spoke on several topics, such as the dangers of using illegal oil products, the impact on public health, and how these products affect the economy of Bayelsa State.
The workshop was the first of its kind in the region and included representatives from sister security agencies like the Nigerian Navy Ship Soroh, Nigerian Air Force Mobility Command, the Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Department of State Services.
They all agreed that stronger awareness and joint efforts are needed to stop the spread and use of illegal oil products in Bayelsa and beyond.
