Ex-militant launches campaign against oil thieves

Yenagoa— Ex-militant leader, “General” Felix Timilaemi, has launched a campaign against illegal oil bunkering, illicit refineries and other forms of oil theft in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The ex-warlord, who commanded a camp known as Amabulu Federated Community, it was learnt, had already destroyed 30 illegal refineries and 12 boats used by oil thieves in the council. Timilaemi, who lamented environmental pollution and health hazards caused by illegal bunkering in the area, said he had the backing of the chiefs and the traditional rulers in the council. “This is a one-man crusade to completely stop this menace,” he said, adding that his army of 240 youths patrol the creeks and waterways of the council daily, in search of illegal refineries and boats used by suspected oil thieves. He said: “When we get them, we set them ablaze. Pipeline vandalism in this area is becoming so serious that I have to take it upon myself to put an end to it.”