The Nigerian Navy have arrested one of the top leaders of a militant group called Bakassi Strike Force (BSF) destroying oil and gas installation in Niger Delta.
The arrest of the militant is part of efforts to eliminate unwholesome activities by criminals in the Niger Delta.
The suspected militant, Mr. Uduak Thompson aka SANGATA, was arrested on Sept. 12, in his hideout in Calabar by a joint team from Nigerian Navy Ship VICTORY and Defence Intelligence Agency.
A statement by Director of Naval Information, Commodore Christian Ezekobe, in Abuja, recalled that some top members of the BSF had earlier been arrested.
Ezekobe said that the patrol team deployed by Naval Outpost (NOP) Ikuru, also arrested four suspected sea robbers, who were alleged to be responsible for several attacks and robbery incidents.
According to him they carry out these attacks at Oyorokoro, Ataba, Kaa and Oyorokoro communities in Andoni Local government area of Rivers.
“The gang was alleged to have particularly attacked market women on Sept. 4, 2016 at Oyorokoro Community.
“These arrests bring to fore, the commitment of the NN and other security agencies to stamp out the menace of criminal brigandage in the region.
“Investigation into these untoward activities has commenced and the perpetrators will be handed over to prosecuting agencies for further action,” he said.
The resurgence of militancy in Niger Delta has cost Nigeria a fortune.
The destruction done to oil and gas installations by the militants groups, especially the Niger Delta Avengers, has caused a drastic dip on oil production and gas supply.
According to the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, there had been a drop in oil production from 2.2 million barrels per day to 1.1 million barrels daily.
The destruction to gas pipelines has caused a drop in supply of gas to thermal stations, thus affecting the generation of electricity nationwide.
The Avengers recently acceded to a ceasefire to give room for dialogue.
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