Delta Safe: JTF Intensifies Clampdown on Criminals in Niger Delta; Arrest 5 suspected oil thieves, pipeline saboteurs

Troops of Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe over the weekend conducted successful raid operations on identified local arms manufacturing hideout in Arhavwarien Kingdom of Ughelli South in Delta State.

The Commander Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman disclosed this to newsmen in Yenagoa during a Press briefing session today.

The Commander represented by Commander Sector One, Colonel Moses Gara revealed that during the operation, 3 principal suspects were apprehended following a shootout with the suspects.

A statement issued by Major Abubakar Abdullahi, spolesman of JTF said the suspects are; Mr. Isiyaka Uchuko, Mr. Ese James and Mr. Elvis Phillips.

Items recovered from them include; 13 Short barrel local made guns, 5 Double barrel local made guns, 10 unit local made pistols, 3 unit live cartridges, one empty Catridge and 2 unit Rounds of 7.62 millimeter special ammunition.

Admiral Suleiman said in another development, following a tip off, troops arrested one Mr. Mathew Okafor, 50 years old in connection with the buying and selling of an International oil company wellhead popularly known as “Xmas Tree” and other wellhead accessories.

He added that, troops also arrested a wanted oil bunkering kingpin, Mr. Nkwe Godspower, 42 years old.

Items recovered during his arrest include, 10 unit Cheque booklets belonging to different banks, an international passport, 5 unit different Identity Cards and a sum of 1, 000, 100 only.

Both suspects are under our custody undergoing preliminary investigation.

Admiral Suleiman commended the general public and the press for all the support given to troops in their effort to achieve OPDS mandate.

He appealed to the members of the public to provide timely information to troops in order to get rid of criminals from the region.

Abubakar Abdullahi

Major,

Media Coordinator.