Operation Pulo Shield (OPPS), the joint military team deployed to protect oil facilities in the Niger Delta has said that it apprehended five...
Operation Pulo Shield (OPPS), the joint military team deployed to protect oil facilities in the Niger Delta has said that it apprehended five thugs and recovered arms in Bayelsa.
Maj.-Gen. Alani Okunlola, Commander of the outfit, told a news conference on Friday in Yenagoa that the thugs were arrested on Dec. 3 at Okaka in Yenagoa following a tip off.
“On December 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 also said that the joint military operation had been providing security and escort for distribution of election materials to coastal communities adding that it had increased its maritime and land patrols to ensure security.
He said that in a recent operation, the troops seized a tug-boat, MV EBIMORE, involved in illegal oil bunkering with 7 crew men on board along Ogbe Ijoh, Warri South local government of Delta.
The boat, according to the Commander, was laden with 50 metric tons of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil.
“ The boat and the arrested suspects are in custody of the Maritime Component,NNS DELTA, for preliminary investigations,“ he said.
The Commander said that troops also recovered four AK 47 assault riffles, 3 pump action riffles and 566 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition on Nov.21 and 23 2015 in Southern Ijaw local government .
According Okunlola, the recovery is due to intensive patrol at Mansonkri fishing camp in Nembe and Southern Ijaw Local government areas.
The Commander said that in a similar development troops on patrol along Bonny waterways on December 1, intercepted two metal barges used for illegal oil bunkering, seven wooden barges and a tug-boat.
He sad that six suspects on board the barge were also arrested while five speed boats were seized in the operation. (NAN)
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