A militant and pipeline bomber, suspected to have affiliation with the Niger Delta Avengers has been arrested by the Nigerian Navy.
The suspect with nickname ”Gabon” was paraded at the Naval base in Warri, Delta state.
Commodore Joseph Dzunve, Commander, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, identified the suspect as Mr Abraham Suru.
Dzunve said that the suspect was apprehended on Sept. 20, 2016 in Sapele, Delta following a tip-off.
The commander said that the suspect had been involved in various criminal activities since 2011 in the creeks.
“The suspect has been involved in criminal activities including pipeline vandalism, sea robbery, illegal bunkering among others since. 2011.
“Currently, he is a member of the Niger Delta Avengers.
Dzunve noted that the arrested Gabon was the ring leader of one of the cell groups within the Niger Delta Avengers whose team members include one General Felix that had earlier been arrested by his operatives.
Suru admitted being a militant and blowing up oil facilities in the region, including one at Dibi community in Warri North.
However, he denied being a member of the Niger Delta Avengers.
He said he was recruited in 2011 into militancy by Genera Kaphapolo, a former militant leader who died recently in a ghastly motor accident; and has since then carried out series of attacks.
“General Kaphapolo told me that their youths are not being recognised by oil companies in the area; and that is why we were attacking facilities.
“But after General Kaphapolo died in motor accident, I was contacted by one General Tony Felix to join their team because they know I am capable of blowing up oil facilities.
“I am not a member of Niger Delta Avengers.”
“The Navy is committed to ensuring safety in our nation’s maritime domain,” he said.
Dzunve said the navy was a committed component of Operation Delta Safe, adding that it was resolute in ensuring safe maritime environment.
The commander urged law abiding members of the public to go about their legitimate businesses as they had nothing to fear.
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