JTF arrests 1,846 suspects, destroys 1,437 illegal refineries in N’Delta

The Joint Military Taskforce (Operation Delta Safe) has destroyed over 1,437 illegal refineries and impounded 24 vessels in the shores of Niger Delta states.

The acting Director of Defence Information, Brig. General John Agim, who disclosed this on Thursday in Yenagoa when he briefed newsmen on the activities of the operation in of 2017 and 2018, also announced the arrest of 1,846 suspected criminals in the coast of the region.

According to the spokesman, the force has made concerted efforts to clear operation areas of identified militant camps, whose activities have threatened national security.

He said, “The force has destroyed 1,437 illegal refineries, 795 wooden cargo boats, 3,872 metal surface tanks and 1,019 plastic tanks used in illegal bunkering.”

He added, “Also, from January 2017 to 2018, the force seized and impounded 24 vessels, 191 barges, 234 outboard engines and 476 other types of passenger boats. Additionally, the force has seized 105 tanker trucks, 228 other vehicles and 610 pumping machines as well as 76 generator sets and 5,842 other items used in facilitating illegalities in our areas of operation.”

Agim said the introduction of the use of swamp buggy in the Joint Military Taskforce anti-illegal refining operations has significantly degraded the capacity of illegal refining business in the region.