JTF cracks down on illegal oil bunkerers - Arrests 14 suspects

Bolaji Ogundele, Port Harcourt - 24.02.2008

AS part of its bid to bring militancy to a halt in the Niger Delta region of the country, the Joint Task Force (JTF), code-named Operation Flush Out 3, has launched a war against illegal oil bunkering in Rivers State, with fourteen persons arrested in its first operation.

The maiden operation, which was targeted illegal depots in the Okrika axis of Rivers State, recorded a significant success as one of the four female operators of the illegal depots arrested is Mrs. Aya Iyala, younger sister of the traditional ruler of Koniju in Okrika, King Captain Nemi Oputibeya Tamuno Iyala, who is currently standing trial on charges of illegal oil bunkering, militancy and such other charges.

In the initial operation on Friday, the JTF confiscated hundreds of barrels and GP tanks used for storing petroleum products by the dealers; many of the containers were loaded with petroleum products.

The spokesman of the JTF, who is also the Army Public Relations Officer of the 2 Amphibious Brigade in Port Harcourt, Lieutenant Colonel Sagir Musa, said the operation has been deemed necessary by the task force authority because it has been realised that illegal oil bunkering is one of the strongest sources of funds for militancy and cultism.