The joint military team deployed in the Niger Delta to protect oil facilities said it had recovered some arms and apprehended five suspected thugs in Bayelsa.
Maj.-Gen. Alani Okunlola, Commander of the outfit otherwise known as “Operation Pulo Shield”, made this known in a news conference on Friday in Yenagoa.
He said that the suspects, believed to be political thugs, were arrested on Thursday at Okaka in Yenagoa metropolis following a tip off.
“On Dec. 3, troops while on patrol arrested five suspected political thugs in their hide out at Okaka, Yenagoa.
“They were arrested while in possession of one 36 Hand Grenade, two empty AK 47 Riffle magazines, a pair of military uniforms, combat boot and a bag containing personal belongings,” Okunlola said.
He said that the team was strategically positioned for Saturday’s governorship poll in the state, and warned criminal elements to stay from the area to avoid unpleasant experience.
He said that the team had been providing security and escort for distribution of election materials to coastal communities, adding that it had increased maritime and land patrols.
The commander also said that the troops had, in a recent operation, seized a tug-boat, MV EBIMORE, suspected to be used for illegal oil bunkering.
He said that seven crew members of the boat were on board when it was impounded at Ogbe Ijoh in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta.
The boat, according to him, was laden with 50 tons of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) otherwise known as diesel.
“The boat and the arrested suspects are in custody at the Maritime Component of NNS DELTA for preliminary investigations,” he said.
Okunola said that the team, on Nov. 21 and Nov. 23, also recovered four AK 47 Assault Riffles, three pump action riffles and 566 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
He said that the recovery was made possible by the team’s intensive patrol at Mansonkri fishing camp in Nembe and Southern Ijaw.
Similarly, he said that troops on patrol along Bonny waterways on Tuesday, intercepted two metal barges used for illegal oil bunkering, seven wooden barges and a tug-boat.
He said that six suspects on board the barge were arrested, adding that five speed boats were also seized in the operation.
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