JTF foils major attack on oil installation

– The continued attacks by militants on oil installations while President Buhari makes effort to douse tension remain of concern to many Nigerians

– The Joint Task Force with the code-name: Operation Delta Safe, has been having major confrontations with militants and oil thieves

The Joint Task Force has recorded another success through its Operation Delta Safe as it foiled an attempt by some militants to steal an oil control unit.

The JTF said its operatives at FOB FORMOSO repelled an attempt to vandalise and steal the control unit from a well head in Nembe creek, Bayelsa East senatorial district.

The Vanguard reports that this incident coincided with the raiding of the Bukuma Jetty in Rivers state by soldiers who arrested three suspected militants and one Cotonou boat laden with illegally refined automated gas oil.

The coordinator of the Joint Media Campaign Centre (ODS) Lt Col Olaolu Daudu, said in a statement in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state, that the identified oil facility is Well Head 72, operated by AITEO company.

Upon confrontation, he said the suspects abandoned their tools and fled the scene.

“The Nigerian Navy ship JUBILEE also foiled an attempt by gunmen led by the suspected leader of a cult group popularly referred to as ‘Icelander’ at Entebe community in Akwa Ibom state to kidnap people of value but on sighting the naval gunboats, the kidnappers fled the scene.

“The group had earlier embraced amnesty but some intractable members still indulge in acts of criminality. Troops are on their trail.

“It was also reported that sea robbers operating from Eastern Obolo attacked and kidnapped unspecified number of persons on a ship at sea. Troops of NNS JUBILEE are on the trail of the kidnappers for possible rescue.

“Troops of Sector 3, while on patrol, discovered an illegal oil refining camp at Idama Creek in Rivers state. The site was destroyed. Also, based on tip off, troops raided suspected militants camp at Harrison Kiri, Liberty, Evil forest, Virgin forest, Opuru fishing port, Wangwa fishing port and Zion City.

“At Harrison camp, suspected militants fled on sighting troops. They are being trailed.

“Similarly, troops raided Bukuma Jetty and arrested 3 suspected militants and one Cotonou boat laden with illegally refined automated gas oil.

“Troops also discovered an illegal refinery site at Borokiri general area where bunkerers engage in massive loading of illegally refined AGO. One container truck with registration number AWK 119 ZL loaded with 50 drums concealed behind bags of flour was impounded,” the statement said.