JTF destroys 217 illegal refineries in Q2-Q4
The Joint Task Force (JTF) South East Udo Ka has destroyed 217 illegal refineries and seized nearly one million litres of stolen crude oil during its operations in the second to fourth quarters (Q2-Q4) of 2024.
This was disclosed by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General H.T. Dada, during an operational briefing on Tuesday.
According to Major General Dada, the primary focus of the JTF’s operations has been tackling the challenges posed by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and their militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), which have been linked to rising violence, oil theft, and organised crime in the region.
Dada pointed out that “the complex operational environments in the South East have necessitated the continuous conduct of kinetic operations,” highlighting a recent shift in adversary activities from Anambra and Imo States to Ebonyi State in recent months.
He provided an overview of the joint operations conducted, including OP CHANNEL SWEEP, OP RIVER SHIELD, and OP DRAGON SPIT. Dada reported that “these operations have led to tremendous successes in the arrest of economic saboteurs in the South East region. Numerous arrests have been made, many illegal refining dump sites have been destroyed, and several tankers conveying illegally refined products were intercepted and destroyed in-situ.”
He further detailed the high point of these operations, particularly OP DRAGON SPIT, which lasted for four weeks between late June and early July.
“A total of 78 anti-illegal bunkering activities were carried out, leading to the arrest of over 60 suspected bunkerers, the recovery of over 40 vehicles (of various models) and 33 motorcycles, all loaded with illegally obtained crude/products. Additionally, 993,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 237,000 litres of AGO were seized and destroyed in-situ, while more than 57,000 kg of metal scraps used for building illegal refineries were recovered from the general area of Owaza.”
Dada also reported that 27 ESN terrorists were neutralised during clearance operations, aimed at effectively containing security threats and allowing economic activities to thrive in the region.
“Additionally, our troops quickly staged a counter-offensive against IPOB/ESN members who carried out a deadly attack on Isheke Police Station on 26 June 2024. During this operation, troops neutralised 5 IPOB members and recovered 1 PKT gun with a linked belt containing 94 rounds of ammunition, 2 AK-47 rifles with 3 magazines containing 11 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, one SMG rifle, and one Sienna vehicle with the registration number Ebonyi CHR-364 JC.”
In the period under review, a total of 83 raid operations were carried out, leading to the arrest of over 48 IPOB/ESN informants, sleeper cells, and logistics merchants. Furthermore, 27 ESN terrorists were neutralised during these operations.
On the JTF’s efforts to combat kidnappings, Dada revealed that “a total of 82 persons were rescued by combined troops within the period under review,” emphasising the importance of a rapid response to kidnapping threats across the region.
Several successful rescue operations were highlighted, including the retrieval of three kidnapped victims in Nsukka and the foiling of an attempted kidnapping of 26 passengers along a major roadway.
The GOC also underscored the significance of non-kinetic operations, stating that community engagement initiatives such as medical outreach, educational support, and humanitarian aid are crucial to the JTF’s overall strategy.
“The modest efforts of the Division in this regard are worthy of mention,” he remarked, noting initiatives like providing medical services in local villages and distributing palliative support to vulnerable communities.
Dada highlighted the JTF’s collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to counter the propaganda pushed by secessionist groups, stating, “This partnership has enabled page handlers to share stories, showcase humanitarian efforts, and highlight the positive impact of our operations.”
He concluded by reaffirming that the strong performance of the JTF in recent months demonstrates a commitment to ensuring the safety and security of citizens in the South East region.
The GOC further emphasised that the JTF “will continue to intensify efforts to ensure the region remains secure and that citizens can go about their normal activities.” He also committed to enhancing troop capacity and sustaining collaborative efforts with other security agencies.
