YENAGOA
Following the search for pipeline vandals in Niger Delta communities, troops of Operation Pulo Shield have arrested 19 notorious vandals in separate locations in the region.
The troop also foiled an attempt by suspected pipeline vandals to destroy an AGIP oil pipeline at Okpoma Community, Brass, Bayelsa state on 9 June 2016 while on patrol along Brass water ways.
Spokesman and Coordinator of the Joint Media Campaign Centre, Col. Isa Ado said six suspected pipeline vandals were arrested during an operation in Ogbia local government while conducting anti illegal oil bunkering patrol along Ebelebiri and Agba communities.
The command also said eight Cotonou boats laden with illegally acquired crude oil were seized
The suspected vandals, Col Ado said dug and planted dynamites beneath the pipeline location in a swamp for detonation before the troops discovered them.
He also said another ten suspected pipeline vandals were arrested during the operation.
He said the troop recovered one pistol, 195 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 14 handheld radio sets, 30 detonating codes and several phones with sim cards belonging to communication giants in Nigeria.
Similarly, the Maritime Component of the Joint Force, the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, on 26 May and 14 June 2016 respectively, arrested three suspected coordinators of several pipeline bombings across the region
One suspect, John Oboka a.k.a Jamaica confessed to being part of the group that bombed the Nigerian Petroleum Developing Company (NPDC) crude oil pipeline at Escravos, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.
The command said the suspects would be prosecuted accordingly as they have been handed over to the relevant agency for interrogation and prosecution.
Col Ado insisted that the Joint Force will continue to clamp down on fleeing criminals including pipeline vandals and intensify efforts to dismantle all militant camps in the Region.
He warned those behind the heinous act of bombing of critical installations in the region to have a rethink and toe the line of peace by adopting a legitimate means to address their grievances instead of taking the law into their hands.
The Command also called on the communities to guide their youths against acts capable of sabotaging the economy of the nation and urged the good people of the region to support the Joint Force by providing information to aid their operations
