The Nigerian Navy has arrested a suspected leader of a pipeline vandalism syndicate and his accomplice in Bayelsa State as part of ongoing efforts to curb crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.
The Navy disclosed this in a statement on Monday, noting that the operation was carried out by personnel of Forward Operating Base FORMOSO at Egbama-Angalabiri in Ekeremo Local Government Area.
According to the statement, the prime suspect, identified as Godwin, popularly known as ‘Idiot’, was apprehended at a night market where he was allegedly collecting illegal levies from traders.
The service said intelligence reports had earlier linked the suspect to a notorious network involved in pipeline vandalism along the Clough Creek axis, including attacks on oil installations.
It added that troops met resistance from armed members of the syndicate during a subsequent raid on the suspect’s residence but were able to repel the attackers.
“A search of the premises led to the recovery of communication devices and other items suspected to be used in illegal activities,” the statement read.
The Navy further disclosed that follow-up operations led to the arrest of another suspect, identified as Happiness, believed to be an accomplice, with a pump-action rifle recovered.
Both suspects have been handed over to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps for further investigation and possible prosecution.
