By Chimezie Godfrey
The Nigerian Navy has arrested three suspects in connection with the vandalism of the Oando–Ondewari pipeline in Ogboinbiri Community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
According to Folorunsho, the suspects were apprehended during a joint intelligence-led operation conducted by naval personnel and a private pipeline surveillance outfit after reports of a deliberate breach along the pipeline corridor.
He said subsequent inspection confirmed that the pipeline had been vandalised, resulting in crude oil spillage and posing a threat to national energy infrastructure.
The statement read, “Acting on actionable intelligence, naval personnel conducted a targeted raid on a suspected hideout at Ondewari Community in the early hours of 12 June 2026, leading to the arrest of three suspects.”
It added that preliminary investigations established the suspects’ involvement in the vandalism, while a fourth suspect remained at large.
Folorunsho stated that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and conclude investigations before handing over the suspects to the appropriate agency for prosecution in accordance with extant laws.
He noted that the operation underscored the Nigerian Navy’s determination to protect critical oil and gas infrastructure and prevent acts of economic sabotage.
“The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in sustaining intelligence-driven operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to safeguard critical national assets, curb crude oil theft, and ensure the security of Nigeria’s maritime and energy sectors,” he said.