JTF destroys 436 illegal refineries, nabs 266 criminals in Niger-Delta

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.

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“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)