JTF arrests suspected mastermind of Agip manifold attack in Bayelsa

CHINEDU WOSU, Yenagoa

The Joint Military Taskforce (JTF) in the Niger Delta, Operation Pulo Shield, has arrested a suspected pipeline vandal, Prince Alvin Covkman Ouegun (aka Commander Abula), said to be the mastermind of the recent attack on a Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) facility in Bayelsa State.

The Command said the suspect was nabbed at Idema community in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state, January 29.

The Joint TaskForce said ‘Commander Abula’ allegedly planned the attack on the NAOC manifold located at Gbobokiri in Brass council area of Bayelsa State on 28 January 2016 which led to oil spillage in the general area.

The command also disclosed that the damaged facility was a 24-inch manifold that conveys crude oil and gas to other platforms.

Spokesman of the Command and Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre, Col Isa Ado said the hunt for other suspects and accomplices is ongoing.

The Command also warned all miscreants who engage in the destruction of oil installations to desist from such criminal acts, ‘as the Command remains resolute in its fight to rid the Niger Delta region of oil thieves, pipeline vandals and other criminals.’

“The public is once again reminded to remain vigilant and report any suspicious persons to the Joint Force promptly,” Col Ado said.