Officer shot, as Navy arrests two pipeline vandals in Bayelsa

A military officer has been shot as the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH under the Central Naval Command (CNC), arrested two suspected pipeline vandals at Egbema-Angalabiri in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The Central Naval Command said both suspects had been handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Bayelsa State Command for further investigations and possible prosecution.

The duo is accused of illegal possession of firearms, according to a statement on Sunday by Rasheed Iginla, Command Information Officer, Central Naval Command, Yenagoa.

There are fears that the incidence of pipeline vandalism is indicative of a resurgence of pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta region.

“A military officer sustained a gunshot wound in the right leg during the arrest, but he has received medical attention and is in a stable condition”, the naval statement said.

Suleiman Ibrahim, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Central Naval Command, disclosed that the arrest was made by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO Brass, in conjunction with officers from 5 Battalion of the Nigerian in Elele, Rivers State.

Ibrahim alleged that one of the suspects is the gang leader of pipeline vandals linked to attacks on pipeline and oil infrastructure within the Clough Creek and its environs in Ekeremor Local Government Area.

According to him, the arrest was carried out on April 25, during a well coordinated intelligence driven operation at his residence in Egbema-Angalabiri.

The FOC said the operation was carried out in response to a recent surge in incidents of vandalism and sabotage in the area.

“He was arrested alongside a suspected accomplice. Items recovered during the operation include a pump action rifle and two walkie talkies.

“Subsequently, on April 26, the suspects and exhibits were handed over to the NSCDC, Bayelsa Command for further investigation and necessary prosecution.

“This operation once again highlights the resolve of the base to rid its area of operations of criminal elements to enhance maritime security as well as ensure a safe operating environment for oil companies and maritime stakeholders,” he said.

On the casualty recorded, he said: “An officer sustained a gunshot wound to the right leg during the operation but he has since received appropriate medical attention and is currently in a stable condition.”

He commended Sunday Haruna, Commanding Officer, Forward Operating Base FORMOSO, for the operation and encouraged the base to sustain offensive posture toward attaining the strategic crude oil output of the nation.

The Navy did not disclose the identities of the suspects nor that of the military officer who sustained the gunshot wound.