JTF Troops Nab 21 Oil Thieves in Niger Delta Region

Posted by African Examiner Uncategorized Thursday, August 20th, 2015

By IGNATIUS OKPARA, Enugu – The Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Pulo Shield in the Niger Delta region have arrested a total of 21 suspected oil thieves ,just as they destroyed several illegal oil bunkering sites in the area.

Media Coordinator of the JTF, Lt.-Col. Ado Isa, who made this known in a statement on Thursday in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, said the suspects were nabbed during a multiple raid by the
Security operatives.

The raids according to him, were carried out within 10 days.

Isa also hinted that JTF operatives deployed to Oka pipeline in Ikpoba Okha Council Area of Edo state, intercepted an oil truck with REG number – EDO BEN 117 ZN used in the operations of illegal bunkering.

He disclosed that the intercepted truck at the time of arrest was loaded with 16 plastic tanks of 1500 litres capacity which was been used in siphoning illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil.

The Task force spokesman, pointed out that the products were estimated to be about 24,000 litres, and was illegally siphoned from an NNPC pipeline.

He said that some of the vandals fled the scene upon the arrival of JTF operatives, adding that the truck was intercepted and investigation into the incident has commenced.

Some of the suspects he said, were arrested at Ughelli-Warri and Orerokpe Community in Okpe and Ughelli North Local Government Areas of Delta.

The JTF media coordinator however, listed some of the items recovered from the suspects to include, Rolls of stolen armored cable, two circuit breaker, 12 cutouts, two saw blades and bags of substances suspected to be Indian hemp.

Isa stated that upon completion of investigation, the recovered items would be handed over to the prosecuting agency.

He equally revealed that the troops arrested an illegal oil bunkering tanker conveying 33,000 litres of substances alleged to be illegally refined AGO.

Five suspects he disclosed, were apprehended, while attempting to escape, adding that the truck was confiscated by the troop.