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From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Police Command has paraded five suspects arrested in connection with oil bunkering, pipeline vandalism and economic sabotage.
Investigations revealed that the suspects were fingered in the blow-up of a pipeline carrying crude oil from Omoku to Brass Terminal and the pipeline at Obama Tekere River.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Asinim Butwats while parading the suspects said the arrest was carried out by the tactical teams of the command.
According to him the Commissioner of Police, Ben Nebolisa Okolo having received several reports of pipeline vandalism, illegal oil bunkering and sea-piracy directed the tactical teams of the command to fish out the criminals.
It was gathered that the anti-kidnapping unit of the Command acting credible intelligence arrested one Kelvin Sutomwa Martin aged 37 at Agbura. Upon interrogation, Sutomwa provided useful information about his gang members residing at Ogbolomabiri.
The Police team working with youths attached to the Labrador Security outfit arrested other gang members namely Ebiebere Paul aged 42, Christian Ayibatariworio aged 43 , Owori Clarkson Paul and Beregha Kingsley aka Kalaboy.
They engaged the Police team in a fierce gun battle at their hideout in Nembe creek but they were eventually overpowered and arrested.
Butwats, who disclosed that the suspects have confessed to their crimes they have committed, assured that the Police would continue to collaborate with sister agencies and all stakeholders to protect critical national infrastructure.
He stated that investigation is still ongoing and the suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.
