The Nigerian Navy says it apprehended a suspected kingpin of pipeline vandals and his accomplice in Bayelsa, as part of a major crackdown on crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.

In a statement on Monday, the navy said the arrest was carried out by personnel of forward operating base FORMOSO during a targeted operation at Egbama-Angalabiri in Ekeramo LGA.

According to the navy, the prime suspect, Godwin ‘Idiot’, was apprehended at a night market where he was allegedly extorting illegal levies from traders.

The navy said intelligence had earlier linked the suspect to a notorious pipeline vandalism syndicate operating along the Clough Creek axis, with involvement in attacks on critical oil infrastructure.

It added that troops encountered resistance from armed gang members during a follow-up search of the suspect’s residence, but repelled the attackers.

“A search conducted at the location led to the recovery of communication equipment and other tools used for illegal operations,” the statement said.

It disclosed that continued exploitation of intelligence led to the arrest of another suspect, Mr Happiness, believed to be an accomplice, and the recovery of a pump-action gun.

The suspects were handed over to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps for further investigation and prosecution.

(NAN)