JTF Arrests 38 Pipeline Vandals, Cultists in Operation AWATSE

The Joint Task Force (JTF) under Operation AWATSE in Lagos, on Tuesday said over 38 suspected pipeline vandals and cultists were arrested in two months. 

The taskforce also recovered 120, 000 litres of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) during the period under review .

The Director, Defence Information, Brigadier General John Agim, made this disclosure at the Western Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy in Apapa, Lagos.

He said the suspected pipeline vandals and cultists had been handed over to the appropriate security agencies for further investigation and prosecution.

He said: "Operation AWATSE is a joint task forces under the control of defence headquarters participating in operation 777, an operation being conducted and operated simultaneously nationwide by the defence headquarters.

"Prior to the launch of operation 777 on October 8, operation AWATSE had recorded successes including the aforementioned criminal activities in the operation area.

"Some of the achievement include the arrest of 12 suspected pipeline vandals, three tankers, one trailer and seven vehicles.

"Also arrested were nine wooden boats which were destroyed instantly. Additionally an estimated quantity of 120,000 litres of PMS valued at 17million four hundred thousand naira.

"This was illegally siphoned from vandalised Nigerian National Petroleum Cooperation (NNPC) pipelines which was recovered."

 He however, noted that the military was doing everything possible to also intensify its operation on other  targeted area where pipeline vandalism on NNPC pipelines were located.

He added: "Since the commencement of operation 777, operation AWATSE activities were intensified through extensive patrols to ensure that troops dominate the joint operation area.

"Currently operation AWATSE troops have dominated Festac, Ijedodo, ijagemo, Ishawo, Majidun and Arepo, while regular patrols are being conducted in areas left uncovered due to shortage of manpower.

"Since the commencement of operation 777, operation activities have been aimed at denying criminals freedom of  migration and action and making of arrest where possible." 

He said Operation AWATSE's mandate was the protection of NNPC pipelines and infrastructures along the 72km stretch of pipelines from Atlas cove to Mosimi Depot.

"The mandate also cut across the conduct of operation against kidnapping, anti robbery and criminal activities including the security of Epe and Ogun state. 

"Also the activities of the cultist particularly the aiye and eye confraternities in Ikorodu and Shagamu area of Lagos and Ogun respectively.

"Our activities also include patrols, ground and air recognizance, anti bunkery operations including show of force," he said.