Osa Okhomina — Oct 9, 2014 |
Authorities of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) code-named ‘Operation Pulo Shield’ yesterday declared victory in the security actions against illegal crude oil bunkering, oil theft and violent crimes along the waterways and creeks of Niger Delta.
According to the JTF, the security actions launched by the JTF in the coastal communities, hideouts of sea pirates and kidnappers and illegal bunkering sites have led to the arrest of suspected sea pirates and 22 illegal bunkering vessels involved in crude oil theft.
The commander of the JTF, Major General Emmanuel Atewe, while speaking during a call on him by the new Air Force Officer Commanding the Mobility Command of the Nigerian Air Force, Yenagoa, Air Vice Marshal Umar Omeiza, said the outfit had made tremendous inroads into the nefarious activities of illegal bunkerers, sea pirates and other vices in the region.
According to him, the JTF is working in partnership with other security agencies to make the waterways free of criminals before the end of the year.
Commander Atewe added that recently, the force arrested sea pirates who are presently undergoing interrogation and confirmed that about 22 illegal oil bunkering vessels have been arrested. He hinged the successes recorded on the cooperation of the security agencies attached to the outfit.
On the preparedness of the JTF for the 2015 general elections in the region, Major General Atewe allayed fears of insecurity in the creeks of the oil rich Niger Delta region, saying that the outfit with other security agencies are fully prepared to ensure hitch-free elections.
