ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Joint Task Force (JTF) under Operation Udoka has intensified its crackdown on misconduct and criminal activities in the South-East, sanctioning 316 soldiers and 371 civilians for extortion and other offenses over the past six months.
Among them, 67 soldiers and two civilians were detained, while 46 soldiers faced demotions for various acts of misconduct.
Major General Hassan Dada, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division and Commander of Operation Udoka, disclosed these developments during a briefing in Enugu.
He emphasized the task force’s commitment to enforcing discipline and adhering to its rules of engagement.
*“Through Operation Checkmate, we have identified and disciplined erring personnel involved in activities that tarnish the image of the Joint Task Force, including extorting commuters at checkpoints,”* said Maj. Gen. Dada.
In its ongoing battle against illegal oil bunkering and refining, the JTF said it has also achieved significant milestones across Abia, Imo, and Anambra states.
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These include: Conducting 78 anti-illegal bunkering operations, arresting over 60 suspected oil thieves, destroying 217 illegal refinery sites, seizing 993,000 liters of stolen crude oil and 237,000 liters of illegally refined diesel (AGO), recovering 40 vehicles, 33 motorcycles, 117 pumping machines, 98 wheelbarrows, and over 21 kilometers of siphoning hoses used for illegal operations, and destroying 57,000 kilograms of metal scraps employed in constructing illegal refineries.
The most impactful of these efforts was “Operation Dragon Spit,” a four-week campaign conducted from late June to early July.
The operation disrupted illegal bunkering activities in areas such as Ukwa West and Owaza in Abia State, Egbema and Oguta in Imo State, and Ugwo and Ikpele in Anambra State.
Despite operational challenges, Maj. Gen. Dada reaffirmed the task force’s dedication to maintaining security in the region.
“Our efforts will continue to frustrate the activities of oil thieves, bunkerers, and their collaborators, he stated.
He also highlighted the JTF’s role in addressing secessionist activities, terrorism, and criminal gangs within its jurisdiction.
Plans to enhance troop capacity through training and the provision of relevant equipment are underway.
To foster a safer environment, he said that the JTF is working closely with other security agencies and engaging community leaders.
Maj. Gen. Dada further assured citizens of the JTF’s commitment to ensuring they can carry out their daily activities without fear.
“We will intensify our operations to ensure the region is secure and that citizens can carry out their daily activities without fear”, he concluded.