In the continuous move to combat illegal crude oil activities in the Niger Delta region, the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) has destroyed several illegal refining sites and intercepted 14 large boats loaded with stolen crude oil.
This follows the directives from the Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa on security agencies to end crude oil theft.
According to a statement from the Commander of the Joint Task Force South-South (OPDS) Rear Admiral JU Okeke, the operation took place on July 20, 2024, in Obuzor, Abia State, and Okoloma and Komkom in Rivers State.
He said acting on credible intelligence, the mission was meticulously planned and executed, targeting illicit activities along the Imo River.
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Rear Admiral Okeke emphasised that the operation’s success is due to reliable intelligence and the exceptional skills of OPDS personnel.
Before the commencement of the kinetic actions, Rear Admiral Okeke had also been visiting communities to assess the situation and sensitise the public about the economic damage caused by illegal activities.
The commander reiterated the task force’s commitment to eradicating illegal activities and boosting Nigeria’s oil production to 2.5 million barrels per day as directed by the CDS.
READ THE FULL STATEMENT BELOW:
Operation Delta Safe Disrupts Illegal Activities along Obuzor in Abia State, Okoloma and Komkom in Rivers State
Following the marching orders by the CDS General CG Musa OFR to Commanders in the Niger Delta region to end Crude oil theft.The Commander JTF SS OPDS Rear Admiral JU Okeke in a non kinetic approach paid a visit to some communities in the region for assessment and sensitization. This was to warn unscrupulous individuals to desist from all illegal activities capable of destroying the nation’s economy. Consequently in a display of unwavering resolve and operational excellence, on 20 July 2024, the Air Component of OPDS executed a targeted operation in Obuzor in Abia State, Okoloma, and Komkom River State. The mission was meticulously planned and flawlessly executed to combat illicit activities along the Imo River in Obuzor, Okoloma, and Komkom in Rivers State.
Based on credible intelligence, the Air Component of OPDS swiftly moved into action, and in a series of precise and coordinated strikes several illegal refining sites (IRS) and 14 large boats loaded with stolen crude oil were intercepted and neutralized, sending a clear message that criminal activities within the Niger Delta Region will not be tolerated.
The success of the operation can be attributed to reliable and actionable intelligence and the exceptional skills and dedication of the men of OPDS in combating illegalities within the region.
The resounding successes recorded so far serve as a testament to the readiness, capability, and determination of the Commander JTF SS OPDS, Rear Admiral JU Okeke in combating illicit activities and commitment towards achieving the task of increasing our daily crude oil output to 2.5m bbl as directed by the CDS. Signed Rear Admiral JU Okeke. Commander JTF SS OP SAFE