By Tobias Lengnan Dapam
The Joint Task Force (JTF) Commander, South—South, Operation Delta Save, John Okeke has said that no criminal will take advantage of this year’s Yuletide season.
Okeke stated this on Wednesday in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state, during
end of year conference to analyze their successes, challenges for 2024 and projections for 2025.
“I want to assure the populace that no criminal will take advantage of the yuletide season as the JTF has deployed adequately in the Joint Operation Area to prevent any criminal act or sabotage.”
Speaking on his projections, he said “It was observed that movement of illicit products have been a drawback on the efforts of OPDS. Consequently, the OPDS has commenced the reactivation of road block and check points along specific highways and routes being exploited by criminals for movement of illicit products. These projected highways include Port Harcourt – Aba Road, East -West Road, Onne- Bori Road, Elele – Owerri amongst others.
“Imo River has been observed as a major corridor for oil theft, illegal refining activities and movement of weapons for IPOB/ESN in the SE. Accordingly, the OPDS has carried out an assessment of the corridor to determine suitable location to establish outposts in Imo and Abia states to checkmate the activities oil theft and other criminalities in the SE.
“The JTF has continue to factor in emerging threats against oil and gas facilities which were hitherto not the target of threat actors. This is bythe collective efforts of GSIAs, PSCs and all stakeholders in the oil and gas industry to identify, dislocate and apprehend suspects to sustain the gains and economic prosperity of the country.”
