JTF Destroys 200 Illegal Refineries In Bayelsa, Rivers

The Commander, Sector two of the Joint Military Task Force, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, said  yesterday in Port Harcourt that the joint operation had so far destroyed 200 illegal refineries in Rivers and Bayelsa States.

Sector two of the task force code named, ‘Operation Pulo Shield’ covers Rivers and Bayelsa States.

Buratai, who is also the Commander, 2 Brigade of the Army in Port Harcourt, told newsmen that the operation was carried out last year alone.

He said that more than 200 suspects had been arrested for operating illegal refineries in the affected states while some tankers used for bunkering activities had been impounded by the task force.

‘’ We have so far arrested over 200 persons involved in this illegal refining as well as illegal oil bunkering and oil theft in Rivers and Bayelsa.

‘’ We have destroyed almost equal number of illegal refineries in these two states. ‘’And, equally a number of trailers, tankers, trucks, we have impounded and appropriately processed for prosecution.’’

Buratai said the task force had been using intelligence to track criminals involved in piracy and oil theft in the affected states.

He said the task force also destroyed a militant camp in Bayelsa State last month, adding that the activities of some pirates, harassing residents of some riverine communities in the state, had been curtailed.

Buratai said the task force had also intensified surveillance following recent attacks on military personnel, police and residents of riverine communities in Rivers and Bayelsa States.

The JTF commander said residents of the two states had also given the task force useful information, which he explained, had assisted it to check criminal activities in the area.