Port Harcourt — ABA Depot chapter of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, has reckoned that the recent opening of the depot would ensure free flow of petroleum products to support a fulfilling yuletide celebration for residents.

Chairman of the chapter, Mr. Gilbert Nwoke, expressed the optimism in Port Harcourt during a visit to express the body's gratitude to the 2 Brigade/Sector 2 JTF (Operation Pulo Shield) for their valued role in putting the Aba depot back on stream after years of closure.

The union leader said, "For seven years before July 2012, the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, PPMC, vowed not to put products on the Aba pipelines due to the overbearing sabotage by vandals. But JTF came in strong in collaboration to give PPMC the confidence to feed the depot again. We now have fuel at close distances. Everyone is happy."

Mr. Nwoke who was received by the Sector 2 Commander, Brigadier Gen. T Y Buratai, thanked the force for "restoring hope" for the people of Abia in the restoration of the Aba Depot, adding that "we have no doubt that the JTF means well against oil theft and they are working."

He equally thanked the PPMC for showing understanding and urgency in reopening the ABA depot in response to the security assurances provided by the JTF while pledging the commitment of IPMAN to guard against sharp practices among its members to enable fuel users gain full benefits for the new development.