JTF nabs 6 crude oil thieves in the Niger Delta

Operatives of the Joint Military Task force, JTF, codenamed Operation Polu Shield in the Niger Delta Region have arrested six oil bunkering suspects and seized illegally refined Automated Gas Oil, AGO, at Degema, Rivers state.

This is as the Commander, Major Gen Alani Gafar Okunlola, has read the riot act to all the Sector and Unit Commanders to step up operations against illegal oil bunkering activities in the communities.

The Commander said the best way to eradicate oil related illegal activities in the region was to stay away from involvement with the thefts and fish out the major culprits.

Maj. Gen Okunlola gave this charge during his familiarization tour of Sectors and Units under Operation Pulo Shield immediately after his assumption of office on September 2, 2015.

The tour commenced with a visit to Sector 1 of the Operation comprising Ondo, Edo and Delta States where he was received at the headquarters of the Sector by the Commander of the Sector, Brigadier General Farouk Yahaya.

In another development, troops of Sector 2 Operation Pulo Shield deployed at LCC3 Onne while on routine patrol sighted an Sports Utility Vehicle, SUV, parked in a nearby bush.

JTF said the occupants of the vehicle fled on sighting the troops, but that after combing the area, the troops discovered one pump action gun, one AK 47 rifle and a pistol with 64 cartridges and 10 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

The command in a statement by its Media Coordinator and Spokesman of JTF, Lt. Col. Isa Ado said the suspects are in the custody of Operation Pulo Shield.