Thel Joint Task Force (JTF) codenamed Operation Pulo Shield has announced that it has discovered a new method employed by Niger Delta illegal oil bunkerers and thieves in the region. According to the JTF, the method involves burying stolen crude oil in traditional grounds, shrines, living rooms and septic tanks in a bid to escape detection by security agents.
In a statement signed by Lt. Col. Mustapha Anka, the coordinator of the JTF’s Joint Media Campaign Center, the discovery of the latest modus operandi of the oil thieves was made possible after the seizure of a 12,000 liter sewage truck laden with stolen crude oil whic was intercepted at Ibada Amukpe in Sapele local government area of Delta state.
In Anka’s words: “The sewage truck was said to be carrying waste and heading to dumpsite by the occupants but was discovered to be carrying illegal crude oil. Both the suspects and the product are in the custody of the JTF for preliminary investigation before handing them over to prosecuting agency.”
