The Nigerian Navy has arrested three men suspected of vandalising the Oando–Ondewari pipeline at Ogboinbiri Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, causing a crude oil spill and posing a threat to critical national energy infrastructure
The arrests were made in the early hours Friday, following a targeted raid on a suspected hideout at Ondewari Community, according to a statement made available on Saturday by the Director, Naval Information, Captain, Abiodun Folorunsho.
The Navy disclosed that the operation was jointly executive by naval personnel and private pipeline surveillance outfit after intelligence reports flagged a deliberate breach along the pipeline corridor.
The statement explained a subsequent inspection of the site confirmed that the pipeline had been vandalised, with crude oil spilling into the surrounding area, an incident officials described as a direct threat to critical national energy assets.
It said preliminary investigations established their involvement in the act of vandalism, while further inquiries revealed that a fourth suspect remains at large.
The operation underscores the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to protecting critical oil and gas infrastructure and denying economic saboteurs the opportunity to undermine Nigeria’s economic interests through acts of vandalism and sabotage.
The statement disclosed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and conclude investigations, after which the arrested suspects will be handed over to the appropriate agency for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with extant laws.
The Nigerian Navy said it 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.
