Agorehmi Bright, Reporting
THE Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested three suspects for allegedly tampering with a capped oil wellhead in Otuabagi community, Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects were reportedly apprehended following an intelligence report alerting the police to suspicious activities around the oil facility.
Acting on the information, operatives attached to the Ogbia Divisional Police Headquarters, in collaboration with members of the Community Development Committee (CDC), swiftly mobilised to the location, where they allegedly caught the suspects in the act.
During the operation, the operatives recovered tools suspected to have been used in tampering with the oil wellhead.
However, three other suspects reportedly escaped before the arrival of the police, with the command confirming that efforts were ongoing to track them down.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Musa Mohammed, disclosed the development in a statement, adding that investigations had commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify everyone involved.
He said the command had intensified efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects and ensure that all those connected with the alleged act were brought to justice.
The Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, Ajao Saka Adewale, condemned the alleged interference with public infrastructure, warning residents against tampering with, damaging or unlawfully interfering with critical national assets.
Adewale emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in protecting public infrastructure, noting that safeguarding valuable national and community assets required the cooperation of all stakeholders.
He warned that anyone found culpable would face the full consequences of the law, irrespective of their status or level of involvement.
The police commissioner also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities around oil facilities and other critical infrastructure to the police.
The command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, maintaining public order and preventing activities capable of undermining the security of critical infrastructure across the state.
