The Nigerian Navy has arrested three suspects in connection with the vandalism of the Oando–Ondewari pipeline in Bayelsa State.
The arrest was confirmed in a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, on Friday in Abuja.
Folorunsho said the suspects were apprehended by personnel of Operation DELTA SENTINEL for allegedly tampering with the Oando–Ondewari pipeline located in Ogboinbiri Community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state.
He explained that the arrest followed a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation carried out by naval personnel in collaboration with a private pipeline surveillance company after reports of a deliberate breach along the pipeline corridor.
Subsequent inspection, he added, confirmed that the pipeline had been vandalised, leading to an oil spill that posed a serious threat to critical national energy infrastructure.
“Preliminary investigations established the suspects involvement in the act of vandalism, while further inquiries revealed that a fourth suspect remains at large.”
Acting on credible intelligence, naval operatives carried out a targeted raid on a suspected hideout in Ondewari community in the early hours of June 12, resulting in the arrest of the three suspects.
Folorunsho stressed that the operation reflected the Navy’s continued commitment to protecting vital oil and gas infrastructure and denying economic saboteurs opportunities to undermine the nation’s economy through vandalism and related crimes.
He also confirmed that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and conclude investigations.
“On conclusion of investigation the arrested suspects will be handed over to the appropriate agency for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with extant laws,” he said.
The naval spokesperson reaffirmed the Navy’s resolve to sustain intelligence-led operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to safeguard critical national assets, curb crude oil theft, and strengthen security across the maritime and energy sectors.
