Vanguard reports that the suspect, identified as Suoyo Nathan, was arrested on Monday, June 6, by operatives of the anti-vandal unit of NSCDC with the assistance of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) surveillance team. However, security operatives are still on the trail of two of his accomplices identified as Iyalewei and Fyneboy.
According to security sources, a full-scale operation was ongoing in the area backed by the air force fighter jets and helicopters on surveillance as well as gunboats.
The source added that night movement had been banned in the area. When contacted a senior official of NSCDC, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said:
“The suspect is in our custody. He was arrested today (yesterday) with the assistance of NAOC surveillance team and would be prosecuted at the conclusion of ongoing investigation.”
Earlier this year, one Seigbagha Perekeye was apprehended by some men of the anti-pipeline vandalism unit of the NSCDC in Bayelsa state.
Meanwhile, the Niger Delta Avengers, which has attacked oil and gas installations in the region, claimed responsibility for blowing up the Ogboinbiri-Tebidaba and Clough Creek-Tebidaba pipelines in Bayelsa.
The militant group said that the attack was in line with their promise to all international oil companies and indigenous oil companies that Nigeria oil production would be zero.