Troops arrest two suspected pipeline vandals in Rivers
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested two suspected pipeline vandals during a security operation in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were apprehended at about 1:30 a.m. on July 30 by troops of the 16 Brigade Garrison during a patrol at Eniwari.
The sources said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to protect critical national infrastructure and curb acts of oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta.
The identities of the suspects were not immediately disclosed, while preliminary investigations are expected to determine their level of involvement and whether they are linked to a wider vandalism network.
The suspects are currently in military custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
Military sources said troops have intensified surveillance and security operations around oil and gas installations to safeguard critical infrastructure and deny criminal elements the opportunity to sabotage the nation’s economic assets.
