Nigeria: Panic in Jtf Formations Over Oil Theft Probe

Yenagoa — Panic has gripped formations of the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta code-named 'Operation Pulo Shield' following an investigation by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) into allegations of compromise by the JTF in the fight against oil theft,pipeline vandalisation and oil bunkering.

The headquarters of the JTF is located in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State.

Daily Independent investigation revealed that the military high command was disturbed by wide spread consistent allegations bordering on JTF personnel's involvement in oil deals in the region.

But the move, sources said, followed pressure on the DHQ by the Presidency to save the Federal Government from embarrassment caused by allegations that it was paying lip service to ridding the region of oil thieves.

It has been alleged in several quarters that some military officers deployed to curb oil theft and illegal oil bunkering collect huge kick-backs from the operators in the creeks and also escort barges of illegally refined petroleum products to their destinations,thus compromising the JTF's mandate.

In fact, last year, the Managing Director of Shell Petoleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd, Mutiu Sunmonu, blew the lid open when he publicly expressed dismay that JTF operatives were conniving with oil thieves in the region.

There are indications that any military pereonnel found culpable would be court-marshalled and face other serious sanctions. Heads of components of the JTF may also be affected.

Sources said the investigation by the DHQ was aimed at verifying claims by oil industry operators that JTF operatives were compromising the fight against the menace of oil theft, pipeline vandalisation and oil bunkering.

The investigating team from the DHQ, it was learnt, would interact with stakeholders in the oil industry in the region before concluding its assignment.

Already, Chief of Training and Operations, DHQ, Ebibowei Awala, a Major General, who is leading the investigation,has arrived the JTF headquarters with his team.

It was gathered that Awala has already held a meeting with the Governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson, at Government House, Yenagoa.

At the meeting, which held on Tuesday, Awala had disclosed to Dickson that he was in the state to 'appraise' the operations of 'Operation Pulo Shield'.

He was said to have hinted that his task also included ascertaining the capacity of the JTF to combat the increasing upsurge in the activities of oil thieves and pipeline vandals in the face of allegations of compromise trailing it.

But the spokesman of JTF, Mustapha Anka, a Lieutenant Colonel, denied that the security outfit was being investigated by the DHQ.

He claimed that the Chief of Training and Operations was on a 'routine visit' to JTF formations across the country.

SOURCE; VANGUARD

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