Operatives of the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta code-named 'Operation Pulo Shield' have arrested four suspected sea pirates in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
One Ak47 rifle with registration number QQ1798, four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one G3 rifle loaded with 7.62mm NATO and one pump action gun loaded with cartridges were recovered from the hoodlums.
Commander of the JTF, Major General Emmanuel Atewe, who paraded the four suspects at the security outfit's headquarters in Yenagoa on Thursday, said they were arrested on May 11 and 12, 2015, within Mbikiri and Nembe local communities.
The four suspects are Daukoru Joky, 17, Robinson Dewarrior, 22, David Mhale, 21, alias Black Jesus and Lelegite Dikuro, 19. Atewe said they are indigenes of Nembe and Brass council areas.
Atewe, who was represented by the Joint Media Campaign Co-ordinator, Lt. Col. Isa Ado, said the suspects were allegedly responsible for the reported attacks on passenger boats and sea robbery incidents along the waterways of the area.
“These criminals take advantage of the difficult terrain and manoeuvre in the creeks to unleash attacks on their victims”, he stated.
He expressed the hope that with their arrest the waterways will be a lot safer for travellers.
He said the command will not relent in its efforts at stamping out criminals and oil thieves in the creeks of the region.
“I want to use this opportunity to reassure you of the commands vigour and determination in the war against crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other criminal activities affecting the socio- economic development of the Niger Delta region”, he also stated.
Atewe also called on the people of the region to key into the command’s zero-tolerance campaign against illegalities and also give useful information to enable the task force track bandits in the region.