Navy arrests suspected militants' explosives supplier, 7 others

dimeji akinloye

July 22, 2016 9:46 AM

The commander explained that one of the suspects, Moses Ushi, was a military impersonator, who was caught with military uniform.

The Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS DELTA, has arrested eight suspects, involved in various criminal activities ranging from pipeline vandalism, kidnapping and supply of explosives to

The NNS DELTA Commander, Commodore Joseph Dzunve, stated this on Thursday at the Warri naval base.

Dzunve, who assumed duty as base commander in July, said four pipeline vandals, apprehended at different illegal refineries spots within the Delta creeks, were among the suspects.

Another suspect, identified as Ebiye Ozano, is an alleged kidnapper, alleged to have masterminded the killing of one naval officer in the creeks of the Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta.

He also said that the other two suspects were allegedly involved in supplying explosives items to the Niger Delta Avengers.

''The two Avengers suspects are identified as Prince David (avengers mechanic) and Felix Ebiador (avengers supplier).

''The avengers were arrested by my personnel during a trip to deliver batteries, cables and other explosives to their colleagues in the creeks.

''Ebiador was arrested with explosive cables, batteries and other devices, while David was the mechanic that repairs their (Avengers) boats whenever they have problems."

ALSO READ: Presidency says oil companies are negotiating with Avengers

Earlier on Thursday, the command destroyed two illegal refineries around Asosolo and Ogbosede communities in the Warri South West Local Government Area.

Dzunve said that three boats and estimated 12 trucks load of Automated Gasoline Oil (AGO) were destroyed in the operation.

dimeji akinloye