JTF uncovers new tactics to stealing oil in Niger Delta

Jethro Ibileke/Yenagoa‎

The anti-illegal oil bunkering squad of the Joint Task Force (Operation Pulo Shield), has uncovered new tactics used by oil thieves and illegal oil bunkerers operating in the Niger Delta region. ‎

The JTF said the tactics involves the use of sewage truck for loading stolen crude oil.

A press statement issued and signed by the Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre of the Joint Task Force, Lt. Col. Mustapha Anka, one of such sewage trucks, a 12, 000 litre capacity, loaded with stolen crude was recently intercepted along Ibada-Amukpe community in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State.

According to the press statement, the sewage truck was declared to be carrying waste and heading to disposal dump by its occupants, but was discovered to be carrying illegally acquired crude oil.

qThe suspects were promptly arrested and the truck impounded with the product and are now in the custody of the JTF for preliminary investigation, following which they would be handed over to prosecuting agency.
File Photo: JTF destroys two trucks filled with illegal oil

File Photo: JTF destroys two trucks filled with illegal oil

It could be recalled that the task force has discovered illegal oil dumps buried inside shrines, sitting room and septic tanks.

In a related development, operatives of the JTF have arrested a 33,000 capacity trunk laden with substance suspected to be stolen Automated Gas Oil (AGO), in the Bayelsa and River States axis of the Niger Delta region.

Upon sighting the troops, the suspected oil thieves abandoned the truck with Lagos registration number RRP 132 XA, and fled into the bush. The truck and its content has since been destroyed.

The task force also extricated 17 illegal oil bunkering camps along freedom creek where oil thieves operates with 6 cotonou boats,13 crude oil reservoir and a boat filled with suspected stolen oil.

Troops of JTF also raided eight illegal bunkering sites at Opumani creek and Adudu in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta state where oil thieves operates with 10 pumping machines, 17 cooking points, three illegal storage tanks and eight metal tanks. Other items discovered at the sites include 13 Cotonou boats and illegal bunkering hoses.

The sites and equipment were destroyed in line with the task force mandate in the Niger Delta. A surveillance Supervisor with a private security guard was also arrested in connection with the illegal oil bunkering.