Arrests medical worker who treats wounded pirates, militants in Bayelsa
Troops of Sector 2 Operation PULOSHIELD, during a search and rescue Operation in the creek of Otakeme Community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, rescued a soldier who was kidnapped by suspected sea pirates along Nembe creek on March 24, 2016.
In statement made by Isa Ado, Colonel Coordinator Joint Media Campaign Centre explained the various successes the group has recorded in recent past.
The Soldier was taken to a medical facility for treatment while effort is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing criminals. In the same vein, troops deployed to Nembe LGA of Bayelsa State arrested a medical worker who specialised in treating wounded militants and sea pirates who sustained gun injuries during shootout with security operatives in the region.
It was revealed from the source that the medical worker who has been on the business for a long time was responsible for the treatment of the wounded sea pirates and their leader who recently engaged troops of the Joint Force in a shootout along Nembe waterways in Bayelsa State.
During the encounter, four of the pirates were killed while others sustained injuries.
Among them is the leader of the gang popularly known as Idiagbon who was taken to the medical facility belonging to the arrested medical worker at Okiama village in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, where treatment was administered on them.
However, luck ran out on them as troops, on getting the information cordoned off the area and arrested the medical worker while the wounded pirates escaped before the arrival of troops.
The arrested suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigation.
Meanwhile, troops also carried out anti-illegal oil bunkering activities around Igbematoru, Ogu-Bolo and Bille axis of Bayelsa and Rivers states where some oil thieves operate with seven wooden boats, two Cotonou boats, four surface tank loaded with suspected stolen products, seven storage tanks each loaded with 30,000 litres.
Other items discovered at the sites include pumping machines and underground tank filled with illegally refined AGO. One suspect was arrested during the operation. The sites and the items were subsequently destroyed.
In another development, troops of Sector 1 Operation PULO SHIELD deployed at Afiesere Flow Station in Ughelli North local Government Area of Delta State on March 18, 2016 foiled an attempt by some unscrupulous elements to vandalise and cart away valves from Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) wellhead18/37 at Afiesere in Ughelli North.
Troops, on getting information, responded swiftly and recovered two valves supposedly abandoned by fleeing suspects.
The recovered exhibits are in custody of the Joint Force, while efforts are in top gear to apprehend the perpetrators.
Meanwhile, troops, while on land trotting along NPDC Erhoike Flow Station Kokori Ethiope East LGA of
Delta State, arrested Vincent Egedegbe and Jackson Egedegbe in connection with the vandalisation of wellheads 3 and 19 Oil fields.
The suspects, on completion of preliminary investigation were handed over to the Nigerian Police at Ughelli Area A for further action. A car snatcher who gave his name as Michael Wilson was also arrested on March 26,2016 at Ogbe Ijaw market square in Warri South LGA of Delta State while attempting to snatch an ash coloured Toyota 4 Runner Jeep with registration number Delta GG 683 BB belonging to one Mark (real name withheld). The suspect will be handed over to prosecuting agency on completion of preliminary investigation.
The Maritime component of the Joint Force also arrested a notorious pipeline vandal around Ogbe Ijaw axis on 25 March 2016. Items recovered from the suspect include explosives, wires and empty AK 47 Rifle magazine. The suspect and the recovered items are in the custody of the Joint Force for preliminary investigation before handing over to prosecuting agency.
