By Mary Izuaka

 

The Nigerian Navy has arrested three suspects linked to the vandalism of the Oando-Ondewari pipeline at Ogboinbiri Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The Director of Naval Information, Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

Mr Folorunsho said the arrest followed a joint intelligence-led operation conducted by naval personnel in collaboration with a private pipeline surveillance outfit after reports of a deliberate breach along the pipeline corridor.

According to him, subsequent inspection confirmed that the pipeline had been vandalised, resulting in the spillage of crude oil and posing a threat to critical national energy infrastructure.

Acting on actionable intelligence, he said naval personnel conducted a targeted raid on a suspected hideout at Ondewari community in the early hours of Friday, 12 June, leading to the arrest of three suspects.

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He explained that preliminary investigations established their involvement in the act of vandalism, while further inquiries revealed that a fourth suspect remains at large.

“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and conclude investigations, after which the arrested suspects will be handed over to the appropriate agency for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with extant laws,” Mr Folorunsho said.

The Navy said it remains resolute in sustaining intelligence-driven operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to safeguard critical national assets, curb crude oil theft, and ensure the security of Nigeria’s maritime and energy sectors.