The Joint Task Force JTF), Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) of the Nigeria Army, has handed over 12 suspected oil thieves to the Delta Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) for prosecution.
At the ceremony on Saturday in Asaba, the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 63 Brigade, Nigeria Army, Maj. Yahaya Kabara, said the suspects were apprehended on July 7, 2023, off the coast of Escravos.
Kabara said the suspects were arrested along with the vessel MV TURA II by troops of Sector 1 OPDS, operatives of TANTITA Security Services while conveying illegally acquired crude oil off the Escravos.
According to him, the Army is handing over the suspects to the NSCDC to enable the command commence formal prosecution of the suspects in accordance with the law.
“The Joint Task Force, South South Operation Delta Safe (JTF SS OPDS), enjoined the general public to continue to go about their legitimate businesses with the assurance of adequate security.
“For those who decide to do it illegally, the JTF SS OPDS will stop at nothing to see to their total destruction,” Kabara said.