‘JTF Impounded 13 Ships, Nine Barges In N’ Delta In 2021’

The Defence Head quarters says one of its troops, Operation Delta Safe, impounded 13 ships laden with crude oil and nine barges in Niger Delta region in 2021
It also said the troop arrested over 567 suspects, demobilised 1,423 illegal oil refining sites between January and December 2021 across communities in the region.
This was contained in a statement by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Bernard Onyeuko, and made available to newsmen.
Major General Onyeuko said 13 ships laden with crude oil and a total of 567 suspects were arrested in the various operations conducted in the Niger Delta region.
The Director noted that the troop recovered over 40 million litres of crude oil and 67 million litres of illegally refined products during these periods.
He said some of the arrested suspects have been convicted, while others are still undergoing trials in various courts of law.
He vowed that troops would sustain to reduce oil theft and other crimes in the region.
The statement added that, 137 trucks and other types of vehicles conveying illegally refined products were arrested.
“The suspects and exhibits have all been handed over to the appropriate prosecuting agencies for prosecution. While some of the arrested suspects have been convicted, others are still undergoing trials in various courts of law.
“Nonetheless, the JTF will sustain its anti-COT efforts until the crime is totally eliminated or reduced to the barest minimum”, he said.