JTF Vows To End Crude Oil Theft In N’Delta

The Joint Military Taskforce (JTF), “Operation Paulio Shield” in the Niger Delta area has reiterated its determination to clampdown on all crude oil thieves and other criminal activities in the area.

The new commander, 82 Division, Nigeria Army, Bori Camp, Port Harcourt in Rivers State, Brig-General Osagie Ozomene made this assertion during the official take-over/handover ceremony as the new 82 Division Commander, held at the command’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.

Brigadier-General Ozomene said the Joint Taskforce would remain committed in the fight against any forms of crude oil crimes and other social vices that may hinder peaceful cohesion in the Niger Delta.

He warned those involved in crude oil theft in the area to desist from such act or be ready to face the full weight of the law, stressing that he would continue to work from where his predecessors stopped for the betterment of the area.

According to him, “I have received briefing from my predecessor,” adding that oil is a major revenue earner for the country.

The new Brigadier-General posited that as military officers, they will not tolerate any act capable of sabotaging the nation’s economy, adding that they are committed to making the country proud.

Earlier in his speech, the out-going JTF Commander, Major General Tukur Brutai, described his two years in the state as successful, noting that his major challenge was to fight against the crude oil thieves in the area.

The out-going commander said his achievement was due to his collaboration with other security agencies in the state, stressing that for any success to be made in the area, there must be close working relationship with other agencies.