JTF Arrests Traditional Ruler and three others for Crude Oil Theft

The Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Pulo Shield, has arrested a traditional ruler (names Withheld) and three others for alleged oil theft.

The suspects were arrested for stealing 2,000 metric tonnes of crude oil on Akassa waterways in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

They were said to have allegedly used an unregistered vessel to steal the product.

The monarch, a third-class chief, according to the state’s ranking of traditional rulers, hails from Twon Brass.

He was said to have been apprehended after crew members arrested in the vessel named him as their main sponsor.

A security source said JTF had been trailing the monarch before his arrest.

The source, who pleaded for anonymity, said some traditional rulers were funding oil theft.

“We discovered that the boys came during the night and siphoned crude oil from the pipelines on the Brass-Sagana River in Akassa area.

“We have discovered that some of these monarchs and community heads provide cover and funding for these oil thieves.

“We have started collaborating with communities but we will not spare those directly involved in the illicit trade.”

JTF’s Media Coordinator Lt. Col. Onyema Nwachukwu said: “I will get in touch with our men in Sagana area and get back to you.”