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JTF Destroys Nine Illegal Refineries, Impounds Barge …Partners Keke NAPEP To Tackle Oil Theft
The Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta said that it destroyed nine illegal refineries and impounded a barge laden with suspected stolen crude in multiple raids on oil thieves.
A statement issued by Media Coordinator of JTF, Lt-Col. Mustapha Anka in Yenagoa yesterday stated that the raids were carried out within the last 10 days.
It stated that the barge, Dera 1 intercepted on Brass Creek, Brass Local Government Area of the state, was in custody of the JTF.
The JTF spokesman said the vessel and crew would be handed over to prosecuting agency after preliminary investigations were concluded.
In another raid, JTF troops destroyed eight illegal crude oil distillery camps on Tebidade Brass Agip pipeline in Gbamatoru Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa.
The statement stated that five crude oil and Automated Gas Oil (AGO) dumps filed with suspected stolen crude and illegally refined AGO were destroyed during the operation.
It further stated that the Maritime Component of the JTF patrolling on Okpumani Creek in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta intercepted two wooden boats laden with suspected stolen crude.
The spokesman said the troop seized and destroyed two pumping machines in an abandoned well head and a fibre boat on site.
The JTF, Anka stated, however, handed over a ship registered as MV LAME to the Management of Seatide Marine Ltd., arrested for it alleged involvement in movement of stolen crude.
He said the vessel was arrested on July 9, 2013 on Bonny Anchorage with about 100, 000 litres of illegally refined AGO.
“Our investigation that the product was unadulterated AGO which made the Defence Headquarters to order the release of the vessel and the crew.
Meanwhile, the authorities of the Joint Military Task Force code named Operation Pulo Shield has expressed its intentions to involve Commercial Tricycle Drivers and members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in its renewed efforts towards tackling the menace of oil theft in the Niger Delta.
Also listed as partners in the new security exercise are traders at the various entry points along the waterways and creeks, especially the Swali Market Association, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association (IPMA) and Spare Part Dealers Association amongst others.
The Commander, Joint Task Force (JTF),Major General Emmanuel Atewe who described the listed trade unions as key elements in the fight against oil theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta , said there should be synergy between stakeholders, community leaders and the JTF especially in the areas of credible information gathering that will aid the Task Force to carry out its mandate.
Atewe who stated this during a meeting with the leaders of various Associations in Bayelsa State at the JTF Headquarters, weekend said the fight against illegal oil bunkering and oil theft is a collective responsibility and should not be left in the hands of Security Agencies alone.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
