MILITARY INTENSIFIES CRACKDOWN ON ILLEGAL REFINING IN NIGER DELTA

July 19, 2024July 19, 2024

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In fast response to the Chief of Defense Staff’s decision to restrict illegal oil refining in the Niger Delta, the Joint Task Force South-South Operation Delta Safe, led by Rear Admiral John Okeke, has begun a tour of key flashpoints.

On Thursday, Rear Admiral Okeke and his colleagues invaded towns in Umorie, Abia, and Rivers States, unearthing large-scale illegal refining activities following intelligence reports.

The regions marked out for visitation and sensitization are centers for illicit refining, Rear Admiral Okeke told journalists.

While visiting areas around Oyigbo LGA, where the situation is similar, the JTF Commander South-South observed that the majority of the hubs used for illicit refining activities are close to flow stations and pipeline crossings. He went on to say that he was confident the military would fulfill the Chief of Defense Staff’s two-week deadline.

At a critical meeting with divisional commanders and other security agencies on Wednesday, the Chief of Defense Staff gave a two-week deadline to end illicit refining operations in the Niger Delta and increase oil production. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu issued this directive to the service chiefs.

The Joint Task Force (JTF) South-South Operation Delta Safe, composed of 12 forces, is primarily responsible for protecting the country’s oil facilities in the Niger Delta.