ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Joint Security Task Force in the South-South, Operation Delta Safe, says it arrested 699 suspects for various crimes in the Niger Delta region in 2022.
Rear Adm. Aminu Hassan, Commander of the Joint Task Force, made this known on Friday at Igbogene in Yenagoa while briefing Journalists on the activities of the task force in 2022.
Items seized from them include; 90 assorted illegal weapons and large calibre ammunition.
Also, 1,883 illegal oil refining sites, 37 militants and sea pirates camps were dismantled, across 12 states in the region within the period under review.
Hassan noted that in the process, the operation was able to save over N53 billion worth of crude oil, diesel, kerosene and petrol, adding that seven suspects were arrested in possession of illegal arms.
According to the commander, the feat was recorded following several operations conducted to safeguard oil and gas operations and installations in the Niger Delta, as well as the people of the region.
He said the operation was also extended to prevent crude oil theft, clearance of militants and sea pirates’ and non-kinetic conflict resolution methods.
The commander thanked the Federal Government of Nigeria, Defence Headquarters, Service Chiefs, other security agencies and stakeholders, including the media for their supports in achieving the successes recorded.
He stated that the Joint Task Force had resolved about 188 disputes involving multinational oil companies and host communities through civil-military relations and mediation efforts.
The Commander of Operation Delta Safe also, announced the arrest of seven suspected gunrunners.
According to him, the suspects were arrested on waterways for allegedly concealing weapons in wooden boats covered with other cargoes.
Hassan said he had met with the leadership of the Maritime Union, National Union of Road Transport Workers, Road Transport Employers Association and Timber Dealers Association urging them to be vigilant and report such illicit activities to the joint security task force.
Chairman of the Bayelsa Maritime Union, Mr Ogoniba Ipigansi, gave an assurance in an interview with newsmen.
He promised that the unions would cooperate with the security outfit.
Items recovered from the seven suspects include AK 47 rifles, bullets, cash, mobile phones and Automated Teller Machine cards.