Oil thieves threaten reprisal against soldiers - Over destruction of illegal refineries

Soji Ajibola, Yenagoa - 16.12.2009

Oil thieves have threatened to launch reprisal attacks on military formations in Rivers State, following the recent destruction of over 600 illegal refineries in Gokana Local Government Area of the state by the men of the Joint Military Task Force, code-named Operation Restore Hope.

Briefing journalists on Tuesday in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the JTF Commander, Major General Sarkin Yaki Bello, disclosed that since the operation was carried out in the affected areas, “these criminals have reacted by threatening to attack JTF personnel for destroying their so-called means of livelihood.”

Allaying the fear of the public over the planned reprisal by oil thieves, Major General Bello said there was no cause for alarm as the soldiers were always battle-ready.

He advised the affected people to desist from any act capable of causing crisis in the region. He said, “I seize this opportunity to advise them to desist from such plots. Rather, they should channel their talents to legitimate endeavours that would benefit not only themselves but their communities and the nation at large.”

Reiterating the determination of JTF to rid the region of criminal activities, he said JTF would continue to destroy illegal refineries and arrest their operators. During the last raid carried out, aside the destruction of 600 illegal refineries out of 1,000 discovered in the area, seven suspects were arrested and handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for prosecution.

Source: http://www.tribune.com.ng/16122009/news/news7.html