As part of efforts to tackle the menace of oil bunkering, Sector 1 Joint Task Force (JTF) OPERATION PULO SHIELD deployed at Jones creek and Ajaosolo creek had discovered and destroyed 10 illegal oil bunkering sites.

In a press release made available to CEOAfrica and signed by the Coordinator of the Joint Media Campaign Centre of the JTF; Isa Ado, the destroyed sites in Warri North and South LGAs of Delta State have been strongholds kept afloat by oil thieves operating with 4 Cotonou boats, 7 surface tanks and 34 metal tanks filled with illegally refined Automated Gas Oil.

 Other items discovered by the anti-illegal bunkering squad in the sites includes pumping machine, 20 cooking pots and plastic tanks filled with stolen crude oil.

Two suspected gun runners namely Amos Akpeleko and James Eshhawumi were arrested by operatives of JTF at Adagbarasa Community in Okpe LGA.  A follow up of the operation led to the arrest of one Mr Johnson Omare at Orokpokpo in Ughelli North.

 Two single barrel guns and 6 cartridges were recovered. The suspects and the weapons are in the custody of the JTF.

The troops while on land patrol at Abudu Agbo road in Orhionmwon LGA of Edo State arrested an illegal oil bunkering tanker loaded with illegally refined Automated Gas Oil (AGO).  The occupants of the tanker were arrested.  The tanker and three suspects are in custody of JTF for preliminary investigation.

     In another development, the JTF troops deployed at Ihoro community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State foiled an attempt by kidnappers to kidnap a 12 years old boy in Ohoro Secondary School.  One suspect was arrested in connection with the crime while the JTF is on the trail to apprehend other suspects who are currently at large.

The Sector 2 troops of the JTF in conjunction with the Nigerian Police while on patrol along Isiokpe/Elele express arrested two tankers used for illegal bunkering activities loaded with stolen AGO. The tankers were moved to a safe area in Isokpo and destroyed in situ in line with JTF Operations in the area.

.  Five illegal oil bunkering sites were also discovered along Awoba Flow Station, Gbenekruu, Baragbene and Igbomotoro communities in Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State where oil thieves operates with Cotonou boats, metal tanks  and plastic rubber containing illegally refined AGO.  The sites and items discovered were destroyed in situ.