The joint military team deployed in the Niger Delta to protect oil facilities said it had recovered some arms and apprehended five suspected thugs in Bayelsa State.
Maj.-Gen. Alani Okunlola, Commander of the outfit otherwise known as “Operation Pulo Shield”, made this known on Friday in Yenagoa.
He said that the suspects, believed to be political thugs, were arrested on Thursday at Okaka in Yenagoa metropolis following a tip off.
“On Dec. 3, troops while on patrol arrested five suspected political thugs in their hide out at Okaka, Yenagoa.
“They were arrested while in possession of one 36 Hand Grenade, two empty AK 47 Riffle magazines, a pair of military uniforms, combat boot and a bag containing personal belongings,” Okunlola said.
He said that the team was strategically positioned for Saturday’s governorship poll in the state, and warned criminal elements to stay from the area to avoid unpleasant experience.
He said that the team had been providing security and escort for distribution of election materials to coastal communities, adding that it had increased maritime and land patrols.
The commander also said that the troops had, in a recent operation, seized a tug-boat, MV EBIMORE, suspected to be used for illegal oil bunkering.
He said that seven crew members of the boat were on board when it was impounded at Ogbe Ijoh in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta.
The boat, according to him, was laden with 50 tons of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) otherwise known as diesel.
“ The boat and the arrested suspects are in custody at the Maritime Component of NNS DELTA for preliminary investigations,“ he said.
Okunola said that the team, on Nov. 21 and Nov. 23, also recovered four AK 47 Assault Riffles, three pump action riffles and 566 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
He said that the recovery was made possible by the team’s intensive patrol at Mansonkri fishing camp in Nembe and Southern Ijaw.
Similarly, he said that troops on patrol along Bonny waterways on Tuesday, intercepted two metal barges used for illegal oil bunkering, seven wooden barges and a tug-boat.
He said that six suspects on board the barge were arrested, adding that five speed boats were also seized in the operation.
Meanwhile, the state police command declared on Friday that movement of some water transportation facilities and river craft activities would be restricted during the governorship election on Saturday.
It also announced that movement of persons, motor vehicles and tricycles would be restricted from the hours of 6am to 6pm on the election date.
This is contained in a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Asinim Butswat, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, in Yenagoa.
It said that the restriction was from 7 p.m. on Friday to 7 a.m. on Sunday, adding that boats fitted with 200 horsepower engine and above was not permitted to move during the period.
“Any person or group of persons who violates this order will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.
“Likewise, movement of persons, motor vehicles and tricycles will be restricted on the election date, from the hours of 6am to 6pm.
“Only those on essential services will be allowed to move,” it said.
It urged the electorate to go out and exercise their franchise “by casting their votes for candidates of their choice.”
The statement warned that the command would deal with political parties and candidates who fomented trouble during and after the poll.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, had on Tuesday in Yenagoa, announced that 14,000 policemen had been deployed for election duty.
The statement said that the police had increased patrols and intensive surveillance in all parts of the state.
“All political parties and their contestants should desist from any act capable of disrupting the election process.
“They are advised to abide by the peace accord they had earlier signed and comply with the regulations guiding the electoral process,” it said.
The statement said the police had synergized with other security agencies to ensure smooth and credible election.
