The Nigerian Navy says it has arrested Niger Delta militants and a militant kingbolt, who is described as the coordinator of recent attacks on NNPC and Chevron oil facilities in the Niger Delta region.
Briefing journalists while parading the suspects at the Naval Base Warri today, 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 learned that the militants’ coordinator, whose name was withheld for security reasons, illegally operates about 35 abandoned oil well heads and crude oil pipelines in Okpoko and Obodo creeks in Warri South West Local Government Area.
Muhammed said the suspects were arrested in collaboration with other security agencies and boasted that the arrests were capable of reducing or ending attacks by the 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 emphasised that his men were not just after members of the Niger Delta Avengers but everyone responsible for the recent attacks on oil facilities.
“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 brain behind last week’s attack on 48-inch Forcados crude line, the commander said “he has provided useful information that will assist NNS Delta to arrest other culprits.”
Two of the arrested militant’s kingpins were shielded from journalists for security reasons. The several tools and ammunition used in the attacks were displayed.
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