JTF destroys 135 illegal refineries, seizes 2 barges in Niger Delta

The Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta said on Sunday in Yenagoa it had shut down 134 illegal crude refineries and seized two barges used by oil thieves.

In a statement by Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, JTF’s media coordinator, the task force said the operation was carried out between November 22 and 30 in Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta.

The operation was tagged ‘Operation Pulo Shield’.

The JTF, which stated that it remained resolute and committed to reducing oil theft in the region, said a suspected oil thief arrested during the crackdown was being interrogated.

“In Bayelsa, we have uncovered and cracked down on 134 illegal crude oil distillation camps, 34 Cotonou boats and 36 pumping machines.

“We have also recovered 12 illegal oil dumps used by oil thieves in Igbematoru, Oyeregbene, Lasukugbere, Mbikiba and Ewesusho communities in Southern Ijaw, Brass and Nembe local government areas (LGAs) of Bayelsa.

“Some of the camps were being regenerated by the oil thieves before the crackdown.”