By Harriet Tornguvan
The Nigerian Navy has arrested three suspects allegedly involved in the vandalism of the Oando Ondewari crude oil pipeline in Ogboinbiri Community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The arrests were made during a joint intelligence-led operation carried out by naval personnel in collaboration with a private pipeline surveillance outfit following reports of a deliberate breach along the pipeline corridor.
According to a statement issued by Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, an inspection conducted after the report confirmed that the pipeline had been vandalised, resulting in crude oil spillage and posing a serious threat to critical national energy infrastructure.
Folorunsho disclosed that acting on actionable intelligence, naval operatives carried out a targeted raid on a suspected hideout in Ondewari Community in the early hours of June 12, 2026. The operation led to the arrest of three suspects believed to be directly linked to the vandalism.
He added that preliminary investigations established the suspects' involvement in the criminal act, while further inquiries revealed that a fourth suspect connected to the incident remains at large.
“The operation underscores the Nigerian Navy's commitment to protecting critical oil and gas infrastructure and denying economic saboteurs the opportunity to undermine Nigeria's economic interests through acts of vandalism and sabotage,” the statement said.
The Navy said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and conclude investigations. Upon completion of the investigation, the arrested suspects will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.
The service reiterated its determination to sustain intelligence-driven operations under Operation Delta Sentinel aimed at safeguarding critical national assets, combating crude oil theft, and enhancing the security of Nigeria’s maritime and energy sectors.
Pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft have continued to pose significant challenges to Nigeria’s oil industry, resulting in environmental degradation, revenue losses, and threats to national economic stability. The Nigerian Navy has intensified its operations in the Niger Delta region as part of broader efforts to curb the menace and protect the country's strategic energy infrastructure.
