JTF uncovers 63 illegal refineries, arrests 21

SEPTEMBER 16, 2013 BY SIMON UTEBOR, YENAGOA LEAVE A COMMENT

 

An illegal refineries in Niger Delta
| credits: news.bestnaira.com

The Joint Military Task Force in the Niger Delta says it has arrested 21 oil thieves and uncovered 63 “illegal refineries” during its operations in the region last week.

Spokesman for the JTF, Lt.-Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, said in a statement on Sunday that the feat was achieved during its operations in Bayelsa and Delta states.

In Bayelsa, Nwachukwu said operatives of 343 Artillery Regiment and Gun Boat Company, covering Sector 2 area of responsibility of the JTF Operation Pulo Shield, arrested eight suspects for allegedly indulging in illegal oil bunkering.

He said, “The suspects were arrested on board a barge christened MB LILLY, which was intercepted by troops of 343 Artillery Regiment of the JTF along Akassa creek in Bayelsa State.

“The barge has been towed to Brass anchorage for safe custody. Also, troops of the JTF Gun Boat Company deployed in Gbaram, Azagbene and Izetu in Ekeremor and Southern Ijaw Local Government Areas have also uncovered and clamped down on 40 illegal oil distillation sites in the aforementioned areas.”

Nwachukwu also said the JTF busted a cartel of six suspects conniving with a foreigner, Videgnon Medard, identified as a national of the Republic of Benin.

He said the cartel, which specialised in sourcing illegally distilled petroleum products, was nabbed by operatives of 3 Battalion of JTF during a patrol of Opodibobo creek near Escravos in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.

He added, “The cartel led by one Sampson Omuti was busted during one of the series of anti-oil-theft operations recently carried out by the battalion. The cartel also has as its members, Messrs. Romeo Orupade, Adena Wuriya, Blessing Julius, John Lomiegbene and Videgnon Medard.

“Items  recovered from them were one big Cotonou boat, containing 11 large plastic reservoirs and a speed boat.

“The suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigations to uncover their links and other collaborators in the illicit trade.”

The JTF spokesman said in another operation, seven other suspects operating illegal oil distillation sites were arrested by troops of 3 and 19 battalions covering the Sector 1 area of responsibility of the outfit.

He said during the operation, the troops scuttled 16 illegal oil distillation camps and 21 Cotonou boats in Tukula, Gbaramatu Kingdom and Odi II.