BREAKING: Police Apprehend Suspects Behind Deadly Bayelsa Oil Facility Strike

The Bayelsa State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has arrested suspects connected to the recent attack on the Tebedaba-Brass trunkline located in Lascogbene, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

Speaking to journalists on Monday, the State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, disclosed that two individuals—Gideon Atama and a boat operator, Daniel Williams—were apprehended in relation to the sabotage of the 18-inch trunkline operated by Oando, which transports crude oil to the Brass terminal.

Earlier in April, the pipeline was targeted by explosives in a deliberate act of vandalism. During a site visit, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, vowed that those behind the attack would be brought to justice.

Commissioner Idu revealed that Atama, believed to be part of a notorious gang, was arrested wearing a military camouflage uniform. His phone reportedly contained images of various rifles and voice recordings referencing past criminal operations. Investigations also uncovered details about alleged sponsors of the attacks on oil installations.

Daniel Williams, a 20-year-old boat captain, was arrested by police officers aboard the Labrado Security House patrol boat at Igbikiba in Southern Ijaw. He is suspected of playing a role in the Tebedaba-Brass trunkline attack.

Additionally, police confirmed the arrest of individuals involved in the 2022 killings of three prominent figures: Hon. Odeinyefa Ogbolosingha—a relative of Governor Douye Diri—along with the Paramount Ruler of Kalaba Community and CDC Chairman, HRH Kolibo Francis Amabelimo, and Samuel Oburo. The suspects named in the killings are Gideon Atama (32), Bethlehem Nwanlia (49), and Clever Ovo (33).