JTF arrests 17 suspects for illegal bunkering

NO fewer than 17 suspected oil thieves were arrested on Thursday by the Joint Military Task Force in Niger Delta for illegal bunkering and refining.
The suspects were reportedly apprehended by the JTF along Borokiri shoreline in Port Harcourt.
Thirty drums containing fuel and three boats said to be used by the suspects in conveying illegally-refined petroleum products were destroyed during the raid.
Soldiers were seen at the Rex Lawson Waterfront patrolling the area in gunboats. The development created panic in the area as some of the residents fled for fear of arrest.
Some of the residents claimed that a majority of those arrested were not involved in illegal refining and pipeline vandalisation.
One of them, who gave his name as Johnson, said the soldiers took some of the bunkerers by a surprise.
Johnson said, “It is called illegal bunkering everywhere, but people call it Kpo fire here. We do not like it because it attracts military men to this place and when they come everyone is afraid .”
The JTF Sector Two spokesman, Capt. Sunday Samuel, who confirmed the arrests, said the raid to eradicate illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta.
He said those arrested would be interrogated and those found wanting would be prosecuted.
Only recently, the JTF accused oil companies of not being sincere and committed to the fight against illegal bunkering and refining.
Culled: Punch