The Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta, code-named Operation Pulo Shield, yesterday announced the arrest of seven persons suspected to be crude oil thieves in Bayelsa State.
The suspects, according to the JTF, were nabbed by operatives during a routine patrol of the creeks of Southern Ijaw local government area of the state.
Its spokesman, Lt. Col Timothy Antigha, who disclosed this in Yenagoa, said the suspects were arrested at Onyeregbene, Lasugbene and Igbomaturu communities.
“In line with its mandate to eradicate the menace of crude oil theft, illegal refining of petroleum products and illegal oil bunkering, the Joint Task Force, Operation Pulo Shield have arrested seven suspected pipeline vandals in Onyeregbene, Lasugbene and Igbomaturu communities, in Southern Ijaw LGA,” he said.