The Nigerian Navy has apprehended a suspected pipeline vandal kingpin and his accomplice in Bayelsa State as part of ongoing efforts to curb crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.
This is contained in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho.
Folorunsho said the arrest was carried out by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO during a targeted operation at Egbama-Angalabiri in Ekeramo Local Government Area of the state.
According to him, the prime suspect, identified as Mr Godwin, also known as “Idiot,” was apprehended at a night market where he was allegedly extorting illegal levies from traders.
He said intelligence reports had earlier linked the suspect to a notorious pipeline vandalism syndicate operating along the Clough Creek axis, with involvement in attacks on critical oil infrastructure.
Folorunsho added that troops met resistance from armed gang members during a follow-up search of the suspect’s residence but successfully repelled the attackers.
“A search conducted at the location led to the recovery of communication equipment and other tools used for illegal operations,” he said.
The navy spokesman further disclosed that continued intelligence efforts led to the arrest of another suspect, Mr Happiness, believed to be an accomplice, as well as the recovery of a pump-action gun.
He said the suspects had been handed over to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps for further investigation and prosecution.
Folorunsho reaffirmed the navy’s commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against crude oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage in collaboration with other security agencies.
He also warned criminal elements to desist from illegal activities or face decisive action.
