Operatives of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) code named “Operation Pluto Shield” intensified its security operations against crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region with a multiple raid on over 218 illegal refineries along the waterways and creeks of Delta and Rivers states, arresting eighteen persons in the raid.
The raid is coming few days after a similar security operation along Sombreiro River with the interception and arrest of 26 international illegal oil bunkerers on board two vessels christened MT ANE and MT OXO.
According to the report on the operation, the men of the JTF stormed 218 sites of illegal refineries in Oporoza village, Escravos in Delta State and the Alakiri waterside and the adjoining creeks of Sombreiro river at Abonema, Rivers State.