As oil theft continues to be a major social and economic concern to Rivers state and Nigeria at large, more people are calling for an end to the menace which has cost the nation billions of Naira.

Some stakeholders at a program in Bonny expressed their views on the dangers of illegal refining of crude oil which affects the ecosystem, leaving people and animals in poor health condition. 

The commander Forward Operating Base of the Nigerian Navy in Bonny, the representative of the FOC Eastern Naval command and the sector 3 commander said the Navy is committed to safeguarding the maritime environment.

Other speakers highlighted the damage KPO-FIRE as it is called in the Niger Delta region cause to the people and the environment.

They are of the view that oil theft has a negative impact on the livelihood of people and robbed the economy of lots of resources.

The theme of the program is 'illegal oil, Kpo fire, issues, challenges and the way forward'.