The Joint Task Force (JTF) deployed to Oka pipeline in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State discovered hose connected to an illegal oil bunkering truck with registration number EDO BEN 117 ZN loaded with 16 plastic tanks of 1500 litres capacity each loaded with illegally refined Automated Gas Oil (AGO).

The products, estimated to be about 24,000 litres is suspected to have been illegally siphoned from the NNPC pipeline.

The vandals, according to report made available to ceoafrica by the Cordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre, Lt. Col. Isa Ado, flee prior to the arrival of the troops.

The troops also arrested 21 suspects for various criminal activities in the region ranging from oil theft, kidnapping, piracy and illegal oil bunkering.  They were said to be arrested along Ughelli–Warri and Orerokpe Community in Okpe and Ughelli North Local Government Areas of Delta State. Items recovered from the suspects include rolls of stolen armoured cable, two circuit breaker, 12 cut-outs, and two saw blades.

Other items are bags of substances suspected to be Indian hemp. The recovered items are reportedly in the custody of JTF for preliminary investigation before handing them over to prosecuting agency.

Meanwhile, the sector also apprehended an illegal oil bunkering tanker laden with 33,000 litres of substances suspected to be illegally refined AGO.  Five suspects were arrested while trying to flee the scene. The suspects names were given as Chika Obi, Nasiru Abu, Roland Ovboiebo, Toju Popo and Bello Ismaila.  The trucks with its contents and the suspects are in custody of the JTF for further action.

Also, a notorious kidnap kingpin, Mr Presley Umokoro, who was hitherto at large but now arrested in connection with the kidnap of one Mrs Ufoma James. He was arrested at Oghara in Ethiope West LGA of Delta State. The suspect is in custody of the Task Force for further investigation.