Notorious Leader of Niger Delta Militant Has Been Nabbed

A notorious militant, who the Navy believes is the main coordinator of the multiple attacks on oil and gas pipes in Delta State, that were claimed by the Nigeria Delta Avengers, has been arrested.

He was paraded along with some other suspects by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta in Warri.

The Commander of the NNS Delta, Commodore Raimi Mohammed, at a press conference held at the base of the command in Warri, described the arrest of the suspected coordinator of the attacks on NNPC and Chevron Nigeria Limited facilities as “a star success”.

He believes that his arrest would curtail further attacks.

Commodore Mohammed, who did not name the suspects, particularly the three key men, said his command worked in synergy with other law enforcement agencies to achieve the feat, adding that they all followed up on the investigations and interrogations that made the arrests possible.

Speaking on Tuesday, he said, “Today I am pleased to announce that after several weeks of persistent efforts, the Nigerian Navy, in collaboration with other security agencies, has arrested the main coordinator of attacks on NNPC and Chevron oil and gas facilities that we have witnessed since May 4, 2016, with the attack on Chevron’s Okan valve platform, offshore Escravos.

“This arrest came after weeks of trailing and arrest of his foot-soldiers. It is important to mention that the suspect is also deeply involved in pipeline vandalism for stealing crude oil. He steals crude oil from about 35 abandoned oil well-heads and crude oil pipelines in Okpoko and Obodo in Warri South-West council area of Delta state. The Nigerian Navy believes with the arrest of this suspect, the attacks on Chevron/NNPC oil and gas facilities will abate.”

He said that the command was on the trail of his collaborators and foot-soldiers, whom he said were on the run, adding that materials used in blowing up and vandalising facilities had been recovered.