Oil pipeline vandalism: Security forces nab suspects in Niger Delta

Oil pipeline vandalism: Security forces nab suspects in Niger Delta
The Joint Task Force, JTF, in the Niger Delta, codenamed Operation Pulo Shield, Wednesday said it has arrested some suspects in connection with the recent multiple attacks and bombing of crude pipelines and installations in the region.
Though the JTF was silent on the number of persons in its custody, it nonetheless said that efforts were on to track down and arrest other fleeing vandals.
The Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre, JMC, of the force, ColIsa Ado, who confirmed the arrest in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, said that the suspects were undergoing preliminary investigation to ascertain the degree of their involvement before handing them over to the prosecuting agencies.
He said: “In line with Operation Pulo Shield’s determination to track down and arrest perpetrators of the recent multiple attacks and bombing of some oil pipelines and installations across the Niger Delta region, some suspects have been arrested and are currently undergoing thorough preliminary investigation to ascertain the degree of their involvement before handing them over to prosecuting agencies, while effort is on to track down and arrest fleeing vandals.
“The success of the arrest was due to highly intensified patrols and cordon and search of the waterways, creeks and communities by the JTF in line with the directives of the Commander, Operation Pulo Shield, Major-General Alani Okunlola, to apprehend those behind the criminal act.
“The patrol of the general area has been intensified while cordon and search operation continues until all the culprits are arrested.
“The Commander also assures the people of the Niger Delta of Operation Pulo Shield’s determination to wipe out all acts of illegalities in the region and also calls on them to give useful information that will aid the JTF in its operations in line with its mandate in the Niger Delta.”
He warned the perpetrators of the crime to desist from further destruction of oil facilities or be ready to face the wrath of the law.
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