JTF arrests 4 suspects, recovers 48,000 litres stolen crude oil in Rivers

The Joint Task Force, codenamed, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), says it has arrested four suspects and recovered 48,000 litres of stolen crude oil in Rivers State.

The Commander, Rear Adm. John Okeke, said in a statement yesterday in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State that the arrest and recovery were made by the Operation Delta safe Quick Response Force.

Okeke said that following reliable intelligence report, the force apprehended one of the suspects while driving an open-body truck covered with tarpaulin along Abuloma Road.

“The truck was carrying 28 containers, each with a capacity of 1,000 litres of crude oil, totaling 28,000 litres. The truck and its contents were immediately secured,” he said.

The commander further said that the force recently conducted an anti-illegal bunkering operation within the Elele general operation area in Port Harcourt.

He said that the team intercepted a tanker truck laden with approximately 20,000 litres of stolen crude oil.

“The tanker and its contents were consequently seized and handled in line with our operational procedures.

“So we have successfully handled two trucks and seized approximately 48,000 litres of stolen crude oil during these operations,” he said.

Okeke said that four suspects were apprehended in connection with the crimes.