THE Nigerian Navy said it has recorded a major feat in the ongoing
military onslaught against Niger Delta militants and pipeline vandals,
with the arrest of a militant kingpin who is best described as the
coordinator of recent attacks on NNPC and Chevron oil facilities in the
region.
Briefing journalists while parading the suspects at the Naval Base
Warri on Tuesday, Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, Commodore
Riami Muhammed, said his men also arrested another militant leader who
spearheaded last week’s attack on Shell Petroleum Development Company’s
48inch crude pipeline in Forcados.
It was gathered that the militants’ coordinator, whose name was not
disclosed for security reasons, also illegally operates about 35
abandoned oil well heads and crude oil pipelines in Okpoko and Obodo
creeks in Warri South West Local Government Area of the state.
Commodore Mohammed said the suspects were arrested in collaboration
with other security agencies, saying that the arrest was capable of
reducing or ending attacks by the rampaging militants.
The elated NNS Delta boss said, “Today, I’m pleased to announce that
after several weeks of persistent efforts, the Nigerian navy in
collaboration with other security agencies has arrested the main
coordinator of the attacks on the NNPC and Chevron oil and gas
facilities that we have witnessed since May 4, 2016, with the attack on
Chevron Okan Valve platform offshore Escravos.
“You are aware of the recent series of attacks on oil and gas
facilities in the Niger Delta and in Delta State for which some
groups/persons have claimed responsibilities. The Nigerian Navy and
other security agencies have been doing their best to curtail these
attacks.”
He noted that his men were not just after members of the Niger Delta
Avengers but everyone suspected to be responsible for the recent attacks
on oil facilities in the region.
Mohammed said, “It’s important to mention that the suspect is also
deeply involved in pipeline vandalism and stealing crude oil. He steals
crude oil from about 35 abandoned oil well heads. The Nigerian Navy
believes with the arrest of this suspect, the attacks on Chevron/NNPC
facilities will abate.”
On the arrest of the suspect behind last week attack on 48-inch
Forcados crude line, Mohammed said
“He has provided useful information
that will assist NNS Delta to arrest other culprits.”
While commending the Delta State government for her support, he
warned criminal elements in the Niger Delta to desist as Nigerian
military were very committed towards flushing out their activities from
the region.
Two of the suspected militant’s kingpins were shaded from journalists
for security reasons while several tools and ammunition used for the
attacks were displayed.
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