JTF South East Destroys 217 Illegal Refineries And Seizes Nearly One Million Litres Of Stolen Crude Oil.
The Joint Task Force (JTF) South East, codenamed Udo Ka, has achieved significant successes in its operations from the second to fourth quarters of 2024. The task force destroyed 217 illegal refineries and seized 993,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 237,000 litres of illegally refined diesel (AGO).
This update was provided by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, H.T. Dada, during an operational briefing on Tuesday.
The JTF conducted a series of operations, including Operation Channel Sweep, Operation River Shield, and Operation Dragon Spit, targeting economic sabotage and criminal activities. During these operations:
– 78 anti-bunkering activities were executed, leading to the arrest of over 60 suspects.
– 40 vehicles and 33 motorcycles loaded with stolen crude oil were intercepted and destroyed.
– 57,000 kilograms of metal scraps used in illegal refineries were recovered.
– 27 members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) were neutralised, and several weapons, including AK-47 rifles and ammunition, were recovered.
The JTF also thwarted an attack by the outlawed IPOB/ESN on Isheke Police Station, neutralising five attackers and recovering firearms and a vehicle.
The JTF intensified operations against the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant wing, the ESN. The GOC highlighted a shift in adversarial activities from Anambra and Imo states to Ebonyi State, necessitating sustained military operations.
“Recent months witnessed a considerable shift in criminal activities, requiring continuous kinetic operations to contain these threats,” Dada noted.
In its fight against kidnapping, the JTF rescued 82 individuals during the review period. Key successes included the liberation of three victims in Nsukka and the prevention of a mass kidnapping of 26 passengers on a major highway.
The GOC emphasised the importance of non-kinetic strategies, including medical outreach, educational support, and humanitarian aid. These efforts aim to foster trust between security forces and local communities.
“The modest efforts of the Division in this regard are worthy of mention,” he said, noting collaborations with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to counteract secessionist propaganda and promote positive narratives of the military’s efforts.
General Dada reaffirmed the JTF’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in the South East. He pledged to intensify operations, improve troop capacity, and enhance collaboration with other security agencies.
“Our focus remains ensuring the region is safe for citizens to go about their normal activities,” he concluded.
These achievements highlight the dedication of the JTF in tackling economic sabotage, insurgency, and violent crime in the South East, underscoring its resolve to safeguard lives and livelihoods in the region.
