…Destroys 217 Illegal Refinery Sites

…Arrests 60 Oil Theft Suspects

By Kingsley Omonobi

ENUGU – The Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Udoka, operating in the South East, has intensified efforts to enforce discipline and ensure adherence to its rules of engagement. Over the past six months, 316 soldiers and 371 civilians have been sanctioned for extortion and other offenses, with 67 soldiers and 2 civilians detained.

Major General Hassan Dada, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division and Commander of Operation Udoka, disclosed this during a briefing in Enugu. He stated that 46 soldiers were demoted for misconduct, emphasizing that the task force is committed to maintaining its integrity and regaining the public’s trust.

“Through Operation Checkmate, we have identified and disciplined erring personnel involved in activities that tarnish the image of the Joint Task Force, including extorting commuters at checkpoints,” Maj. Gen. Dada said.

The JTF has conducted extensive operations to combat illegal oil bunkering and refining activities across Abia, Imo, and Anambra states. These operations have led to significant achievements, including:

78 anti-illegal bunkering operations.

Arrest of over 60 suspected oil thieves.

Destruction of 217 illegal refinery sites.

Seizure of 993,000 liters of stolen crude oil and 237,000 liters of illegally refined diesel (AGO).

Recovery of over 40 vehicles and 33 motorcycles used for illegal operations.

Destruction of over 57,000 kg of metal scraps used for building illegal refineries.

Other recovered items include 117 pumping machines, 98 wheelbarrows, and approximately 21 kilometers of siphoning hoses.

The high point of these operations was “Operation Dragon Spit,” a four-week campaign conducted across the division from late June to early July, which significantly disrupted illegal bunkering activities.

Illegal bunkering and refinery sites were mainly identified in:

Ukwa West LGA and Owaza (Abia State)

Egbema in Ohaji/Egbema LGA and Oguta LGA (Imo State)

Ugwo and Ikpele in Ogbaru LGA (Anambra State)

Challenges and Continued Efforts

Maj. Gen. Dada acknowledged operational challenges but reiterated the task force’s commitment to ensuring the region’s safety. “Our efforts will continue to frustrate the activities of oil thieves, bunkerers, and their collaborators,” he stated.

He added that the JTF is also addressing secessionist activities, terrorism, and criminal gangs within its area of responsibility. Plans to enhance troop capacity through training and the provision of relevant equipment are ongoing.

The JTF has emphasized its commitment to working with other security agencies and engaging with community leaders to foster a safer environment in the South East.

“We will intensify our operations to ensure the region is secure and that citizens can carry out their daily activities without fear,” Maj. Gen. Dada concluded.