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 apprehended following an intelligence report that prompted police operatives attached to the Ogbia Division, working in collaboration with the Community Development Committee, to mobilise to the scene.
The police also recovered tools suspected to have been used in tampering with the oil facility, while three other suspects reportedly fled before the arrival of the operatives.
The Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Musa Mohammed, disclosed this in a statement, adding that investigations had commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify all those involved.
He said efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Ajao Saka Adewale, warned residents against damaging, interfering with or tampering with public infrastructure and other valuable assets.
“Anyone found culpable will be made to face the full weight of the law,” the commissioner warned.
Adewale urged residents to demonstrate patriotism by taking collective responsibility for the protection of critical national and community infrastructure.
He also called on members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the police.
The Command provided the following emergency contact numbers for reporting security concerns: 0703 457 8208 and 09167322691.
