The Nigerian Navy has arrested three suspects linked to the vandalism of the Oando–Ondewari pipeline in Ogboinbiri Community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, in an ongoing effort to curb economic sabotage and protect critical national infrastructure.
According to an official signed statement by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation was carried out under “Operation DELTA SENTINEL,” following a joint intelligence-led engagement between naval personnel and a private pipeline surveillance outfit after reports of a deliberate breach along the pipeline corridor.
The statement indicated that subsequent inspection of the affected site confirmed that the pipeline had been vandalised, resulting in a crude oil spill and posing significant environmental and economic risks to the area and Nigeria’s energy infrastructure. The affected facility is part of assets associated with the Oando–Ondewari pipeline network.
Acting on actionable intelligence, naval personnel conducted a targeted raid in the early hours of 12 June 2026 on a suspected hideout in Ondewari Community. The operation led to the arrest of three suspects allegedly involved in the vandalism, while a fourth suspect reportedly remains at large.
Preliminary investigations, according to the Navy, have already established the involvement of the arrested individuals in the incident, with further inquiries ongoing to determine the full extent of their activities and possible collaborators.
The suspects are expected to be handed over to the appropriate law enforcement agency upon the conclusion of preliminary investigations for further interrogation and prosecution in line with extant laws.
Reaffirming its operational posture, the Nigerian Navy stated that it remains committed to sustained intelligence-driven operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to safeguard critical national assets, combat crude oil theft, and strengthen the security of Nigeria’s maritime and energy corridors.
The Navy added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and dismantle any remaining networks involved in the sabotage of oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta region.
The operation underscores continued military pressure on crude oil thieves and pipeline vandals, particularly in strategic energy-producing areas of the country.
