The Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Pulo Shield, has arrested a traditional ruler and three other persons for allegedly stealing 2,000 metric tonnes of crude oil along the waterways of Akassa in Brass local government area of Bayelsa State.
The third class chief according to the state ranking of traditional rulers, was said to hail from Twon Brass.
He was reportedly apprehended after crew members arrested in the vessel claimed he was their main sponsor.
A security source said the searchlight of JTF was beamed on the activities of the monarch before his arrest.
The source, who craved anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter said some traditional rulers were funding oil theft.
“We discovered that the boys came under the cover of the night and siphoned crude oil from the oil pipelines along the Brass-Sagana River in Akassa area.
“We have discovered that some of these traditional rulers and community heads provide cover and funding for the activities of these oil thieves in Bayelsa.
“We have started a series of collaboration with communities but we will not spare those directly involved in the illicit trade,” the source added.
When contacted on the development, JTF Media Coordinator, Lt. Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, said he was yet to get the details of the arrest.
“I will get in touch with our men in Sagana area and get back to you”, he said.
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