Navy Nabs Bombers of NNPC, Chevron Pipelines

Navy Nabs Bombers of NNPC, Chevron Pipelines

The Nigerian Navy on Tuesday announced it has arrested the militants allegedly responsible for the recent bombings of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Chevron’s pipelines, in Delta State, the Punch is reporting. 

The Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship Delta, Riami Muhammed told journalists while parading the suspected militants that the navy had also arrested another kingpin of the group who attacked  Shell’s 48-inch crude pipeline in Forcados last week.

According to the Navy, the militants’ leader was illegally operating about 35 abandoned oil well heads and crude oil pipelines in Okpoko and Obodo creeks in the Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.

He said the arrest would reduce attacks by the Niger Delta militants. The Navy did not however say if the suspects were members of the new militant group, the Niger Delta Avengers.

The commander added, “After several weeks of persistent efforts, the Nigerian Navy, in collaboration with other security agencies, has arrested the main coordinator of the attacks on the NNPC and the Chevron oil and gas facilities that we have witnessed since May 4, 2016, with the attack on the Chevron Okan Valve platform, offshore Escravos.

“You are aware of the recent series of attacks on oil and gas facilities in the Niger Delta and in Delta State, for which some groups or persons have claimed responsibilities. The Nigerian Navy and other security agencies have been doing their best to curtail these attacks.”

He explained that his men were not just after members of the Niger Delta Avengers but everyone who vandalises oil facilities in the region.