The Joint Military Taskforce (JTF) code-named “Operation Delta Safe” said on Thursday that it had destroyed no fewer than 436 illegal refineries in the Niger-Delta region.
Acting Director of Defence Information, Brig-Gen. John Agim disclosed this while briefing journalists in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa capital.
Agim said that the illegal refineries were destroyed in the operations carried out from October to-date which was named ”Operation 777.”
Contents
- The Joint Military Taskforce (JTF) code-named “Operation Delta Safe” said on Thursday that it had destroyed no fewer than 436 illegal refineries in the Niger-Delta region.
- Acting Director of Defence Information, Brig-Gen. John Agim disclosed this while briefing journalists in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa capital. Agim said that the illegal refineries were destroyed in the operations carried out from October to-date which was named ”Operation 777.”
- He said the task force also arrested 266 persons for alleged various offences and handed them over to the appropriate government agencies for prosecution.
- “The force has nabbed a suspected notorious militant kingpin, Gift Apollo aka ‘Thousand’ whose gang is responsible for the attack and death of soldiers deployed to Abua/Oduma Creeks between Rivers and Bayelsa State.
- “The operation has helped in destroying about 436 illegal refineries, 609 boats, 1,507 surface tanks and 1,538 drums used for illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta region.
- “The operation has also recorded several significant achievements by men and officers of the JTF.
- “Anti-illegal bunkering and illegal refining operation were carried out in Okaka community in Bayelsa State which has become notorious for crude oil theft and illegal refining,” he said.
- Agim said the task force identified active militant camps at Okparakiri, Sanikiri and Okporama communities, and on a tip-off, arrested suspected sea robbers and cultists terrorising Abonnema-Buguma in Rivers waterways.
- “Seven Nigerian Agip Oil Company maintenance workers kidnapped while carrying out an assessment of a blasted wellhead in Azuama in Southern Ijaw Local Government of Bayelsa were rescued and released unharmed.
- “We have also recovered several dangerous items such as 230 different types of arms, 240 assorted ammunition, 11 barges, 101 outboard engines, 135 pumping machines from the criminals,” he added.
- Rear Admiral Suleiman Apochi, the Commander, “Operation Delta Safe,” said with the operation of the JTF in the region, the level of vandalism in oil infrastructures has drastically dropped. (NAN)
