The Joint Military Task
Force in the Niger Delta, Operation Pulo Shield, has continued to record more victories against operators of illegal bunkering.
The latest exploit has led to destruction of nine illegal refineries and seizure of a barge loaded with stolen crude, according to statement emanating from the special security outfit.
Its Media Coordinator, Lt.Col. Mustapha Anka, said the operatives of Sector 2 anti-illegal oil bunkering patrol team intercepted the barge, Chestine Dera, along the Brass Creek in the Brass local government area, Bayelsa State.
He said the barge was in custody of the JTF for further investigation before handing over to relevant prosecuting agency.
The spokesman also said the JTF troops brought an end to eight illegal crude oil distillation camps, where oil thieves had operated with pumping machine, generators and welding machine along Tebidade/Brass Agip pipeline in Gbamatoru Community in the Southern Ijaw local government area of Bayelsa.
He disclosed that the items discovered and scuttled during the operation comprised five crude oil dumps filled with suspected illegally-sourced crude oil.
Anka said the maritime component of the JTF patrolling along Okpumani creek in Warri South local government area of Delta State had intercepted two wooden boats containing products suspected to be stolen crude oil.
He said the operatives also scuttled two pumping machines in a well head and a fibre boat, stressing that both items were destroyed.
Anka said, “The Headquarters Joint Task Force has also handed over a ship christened MV LAME to the management of Sea Tide Marine Ltd. The vessel, which was arrested on the July 9, 2013, by troops of the JTF along Bonny anchorage was alleged to have been loaded with about 100,000 litres of illegally refined diesel, but was found upon investigation that the product was unadulterated diesel, which made the defence headquarters to order the release of the vessel and the crew.”
From Left: Chairman, Ulo Consult, Chief Uche Okpuno, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State and Senate President David Mark, at the burial of the mother of Chief Okpuno, Obi-Bridget, in Asaba last Saturday. Photo: NAN
