Delta JTF recovers N50m worth of crude from oil thieves

Sylvester Idowu, Warri - 30.03.2008

Crude oil worth about N 50 million has been recovered from oil thieves at Mosogar in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State.

Operatives of the Joint Task Force (JTF) also arrested six suspects and two Mobile Policemen in connection with the theft.

Parading the suspects before newsmen , the Public Relations Officer of JTF, Major Omale Ochagwuba, said the suspects were arrested early this month at about 3.30 am.

He gave the names of the suspects as Peter Ayeni, Efe Akporie, Ugboma Orji, Efe Erhisemebe, Dickson Okotie and Sunday Okiki.

Major Omale disclosed that seven tankers were recovered from the suspects and that four of the trailers had already been loaded with substance suspected to be crude oil.

According to him, the three other tankers were awaiting turns to be loaded with crude oil from boats known as Cotonou Boats, when security operatives swooped on them.

Items recovered from them included four diesel pumpimg machines, two 40 HP Cotonou boats, nine GSM handsets and a Rover Car.