Operatives of the Department of State Services have arrested no fewer than five suspected oil thieves in Delta State.
The operatives also recovered a wooden barge conveying about 37,000 barrels of stolen crude oil from the suspects.
A source familiar with the operation said on Thursday that the suspects were being profiled and investigated.
“On September 7, 2024, operatives of Delta State Command of the DSS intercepted a wooden barge containing about 37,000 barrels of crude oil. During the operation, five suspects connected to the incident were arrested and are being investigated and profiled,” the source said.
The operatives, in collaboration with the troops in a separate operation in Ebonyi State, arrested a top Indigenous People of Biafra commander.
The suspect was arrested following an intelligence report about his involvement in coordinating the activities of the group in the state.
The source added that a total of 600 pieces of ammunition were recovered from the suspect.
The source said, “On September 9, 2024, a combined team of the DSS and the military apprehended a high-profile Commander of the proscribed IPOB. Sources stated that the arrest followed intelligence which confirmed his active involvement in the coordination of IPOB activities in Ebonyi State.
“The suspect had recruited several mercenaries in preparation for further attacks in Ebonyi State. Meanwhile, about 600 rounds of 5.56mm calibre ammunition, among other items, were recovered from the suspect.”
In Niger State, operatives of the DSS, in collaboration with other security agents, killed several terrorists in the Shiroro Local Government.
The source said the terrorists’ attempt to attack a community in the LG was repelled during the operation.
“Following available critical intelligence received from the DSS, a combined team of security operatives comprising the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and other sister agencies on September 11, 2024 successfully repelled a group of Boko haram terrorists and bandit elements who attacked Bassa-Kukoki village, Allawi district of Shiroro LGA, Niger State.
“While the dissidents suffered huge casualties, regrettably, three members of the community were killed by the fleeing terrorists. It may also be noted that no security personnel was affected during the operation,” the source said.
PUNCH
