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JTF officials turn down $30, 000 bribe, arrest suspected oil thief

The Joint Task Force (JTF) in Bayelsa State said it has arrested one Joshua Orupere, for attempting to bribe its officials in order to regain … Continue reading JTF officials turn down $30, 000 bribe, arrest suspected oil thief


The Joint Task Force (JTF) in Bayelsa State said it has arrested one Joshua Orupere, for attempting to bribe its officials in order to regain two barges seized for alleged stolen crude oil.

The task force paraded the a 40-year-old man for offering to bribe the JTF’s Chief of Staff to the tune of $30,300 to gain the release of two vessels seized along the Sagama Rivers of Akasa Community in Brass Local Government.

The two vessels named MV Premier and MV Somtrans, with stolen crude oil estimated at 600,000 metric tonnes each were intercepted at the Sagana Kamboro creek by a joint operation conducted by the 343 Artillery Regiments and the Sub-Sector two operatives led by Muktar Adamu in the early hours of Saturday.

The operation according to the JTF, lasted two days and with the help of four newly acquired AK 38 Army Boat from the office of the Chief Army Staff, Lieutenant General Azubike Ihejirika.

Spokesperson of the JTF, Lt. Col. Onyeka Nwachukwu, said the seizure of the vessels and arrest of Mr Orupere was as a result of the sustained security operation against illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta region.

“The suspect has confessed to the crime and admitted being in charge of the arrested vessels at the time it was intercepted”, Col Nwanchukwu said.

The arrested owner of the seized vessels, Mr Orupere, told journalist that though one of the vessel was put in his care by one retired Air Force Commander from Sagana community of Brass Local Government, “both vessels were in my care at the time of arrest.”

He further said “They are condemned vessels converted to barges. I work for persons within and outside the region. I did not know the JTF Chief of Staff before but met him with link provided by the retired Air force Commander. My link advised that I raise money and offer as bribe and I went to Port Harcourt to raise over $30,000.”