Troops warn community leaders against attacks on oil installations

The troops of Joint Force in the Niger Delta, Operation Pulo Shield, have vowed to hold community leaders responsible for any act of sabotage against oil and gas facilities in their domains.

The Commander, OPS,  Maj.-Gen. Alani Okunlola, said the warning came  as a result of recent multiple attacks on  oil facilities and platforms by suspected militants in the Niger Delta.

The Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre,  Col. Ado Isa, in a statement in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, quoted the Commander of handing down the warning on Sunday.

Okunlola described the act as not only criminal but capable of undermining the national security of the country.

He, therefore,  called on  government  officials and the community leaders  to give the troops and other security agencies working in the Niger Delta useful information that would lead to the arrest of the perpetrators for prosecution.

The Commander assured the Niger Delta residents of the OPS’s determination to wipe out all acts of illegalities in the region.

He also called on the people to give useful information that would aid the joint force in its operations in line with its mandate in the Niger Delta.

He warned the perpetrators of the crime to desist from further destruction of oil facilities or be ready to face the consequences.

Okunlola added, “Let me reassure the good people of the region that the Joint Force is closing in on the criminals that perpetrated the act and we will soon bring them to book.

“Let me also reiterate that the extant law banning the use of  outboard engines with 200 HP and above  will henceforth be strictly enforced in the region.”