By Aherhoke Okioma
Yenagoa
Ahead of the 2015 general elections, the Defence Headquarters has deployed 30 gunboats to beef up security in the Niger Delta region.
Out going media coordinator, Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Pulo Shield, Col. Mustapha Anka, disclosed this yesterday during his end of year press briefing at the JTF headquarters in Yenagoa.
He said while some of the gunboats have arrived, others were on the way, adding that during the period under review, JTF operatives arrested 31 suspects over alleged involvement in crude oil theft and bunkering activities.
He said that more than 53 vessels and 200 barges were seized, while 840 illegal refineries were destroyed.
“Additionally, the JTF recorded series of successes in rescuing kidnapped victims in the Niger Delta. Notably among them, include Chief Inengite Ntabai, who was kidnapped at Otuoke in Ogbia LGA early this year.
“The force also rescued His Royal Majesty, Augustine Ebikeme JP, at Kokori local government area of Delta state, Mrs. Osiyo Agama, who was abducted on October 22, 2014 in Port Harcourt, Madam Patience Agbani and Mrs. Florentina Paulker, to mention but a few”, he further said.
The media coordinator said JTF operatives also arrested a notorious cult leader, Mr. Solomon Owhonda, who was the brain behind serial killings and destruction of properties worth millions of naira in Ibaa community at Emohua local government area of Rivers state, adding that the suspect is currently undergoing thorough investigation to ascertain his level of involvement before handing him over to the appropriate prosecuting agency.
He disclosed that the command embarked on confidence building patrols to dissuade the youths and community from involvement in illegal oil bunkering and other criminality in the region.
“Other successes recorded include constant confidence building patrols, and establishment of Quick Response Unit to respond to emergencies and impending threats.
“Improved intra-service/agencies relationship by adopting a proactive engagement with other security agencies.
“In the aspects of mediation, the command made concerted efforts by organizing series of arbitration and mediation meetings between the IOCs and host communities across the region. The efforts have to a large extent helped in dousing tension among the parties and reduced acts of sabotage against oil companies”, he added.
