Rear Adm. Apochi Suleiman, the Commander, Joint Task Force codenamed: “Operation Delta Safe” (OPDS) says no fewer than 300 illegal refineries have been destroyed in the ongoing operation.

Suleiman made this known to newsmen on Wednesday at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS), Warri Naval base.

He said that a suspected militant and member of a “kill and bury” gang identified as Gift Apollo, who allegedly killed a soldier in August was also apprehended during the operations.

The task force commander said that the operation tagged: “OPERATION 777” was launched by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin on Oct. 10 and accordingly activated by the OPDS.

Suleiman said that it was to further reinvigorate the operations of the task force to disrupt activities of the criminal elements ahead of the yuletide and the 2019 general elections.

The commander said the “OPERATION 777” had made remarkable achievement in meeting its objectives.

“Cases of illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism and associated criminalities do increase during major festivities and election years.

“This necessitated the launching of `OPERATION 777’ by the CDS and activated by the OPDS.

“The `OPERATION 777’ has made huge achievement as over 300 illegal refineries, 156 locally manufactured boats, 1,085 surface tanks have been destroyed.

“Additionally, 15 barges, 10 tanker trucks, 31 vehicles, 45 speed boats, 16 outboard engines, 41 pumping machines, 15 generating sets and 76 other items have been impounded.

“It is also worthy to mention that six different types of arms and over 100 items of munitions were recovered during the period in focus.

“Importantly, a wanted militant and member of `kill and bury’ gang named Gift Apollo was arrested during the operations.

“The group was responsible for the attack and death of our soldier deployed in Abua/Odua sometime in August,” he said.

Suleiman said that the JTF also conducted anti-illegal bunkering/anti-illegal refining operations at Okaki Community in Bayelsa in which over 100 reservoirs and an estimated 210 metric tonnes of Automated Gasoline Oil were destroyed.

He also said that the JTF rescued seven Nigerians maintenance workers of Agip Oil Company who were kidnapped by gunmen on Oct. 5 in Azuzuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa.

“OPERATION 777 is simultaneously conducted with OPERATION CROCODILE SMILE 3.

“We are collaborating and sharing actionable intelligence as both operation is meant to curb criminal activities in the Niger Delta,” he said.

Suleiman called on the law abiding citizens in the region to go about their legitimate businesses, assuring them that the JTF would continue to protect them and the environment. (NAN)

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