JTF destroys 10,000 drums of illegal product, arrest Police ASP

Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Pulo Shield, Sector 3 of the 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, on Wednesday destroyed 10,000 drums used for lifting illegal diesel product in Cross River. Capt. James Joseph, the Public Relations Officer of the 13 Brigade Nigerian Army told newsmen in Calabar, that five people were arrested including a serving Assistant Superintendent of Police.

The drums containing the illegal diesel was destroyed at Nigerian Army burning site at Ikang in Bakassi Local Government Area of the state.

He said that the JTF arrested the illegal `bunkerers' at Mesembe Avenue at Anatigha in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River through an intelligent report.

Joseph said that the oil thieves were arrested on Christmas eve at 7 p.m, noting that the area was one of the hideout in Calabar South.

``We got an intelligent reports about this hideout, you can see in their hideaway, there are over 10,000 drums of diesel products and when we came, we raided the place,’’ he said.

He said that Nigerian Army was determined to curb the activities of oil theft in Cross River in particular and Nigeria in general.

The oil thieves dredged carnal in Calabar South to enable their boats convey the illegal diesel through water channel.

``Our soldiers have been combing Calabar South to make sure that illegal bunkering does not make headway in Cross River,’’ Joseph said. BusinessDay