Navy Busts Two Active Members of Niger Delta Avengers in Warri

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

Operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS Delta) Warri have recorded a major breakthrough in curtailing bombing of oil facilities with the arrest of two active members of the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA).

The two suspects, Felix Miyenminiya, aged 53 years and Stanley Jongha aged 35 were arrested last Thursday in Sapele, Delta State by the Navy in conjunction with other security agencies after intensive surveillance on the suspects.

Parading the suspects at NNS Delta, Warri, the Commander, Commodore Joseph Dzunye disclosed that the suspects were behind attacks on some Chevron Nigerian Limited (CNL) facilities in the Warri North Local Government area of Delta State between the months of May and July.
Dzunve, who indicated the Navy’s precision in its arrest of the suspects, said the suspects had provided useful information that would help in the operations, adding that those arrested were deeply involved in various forms of crimes, including pipeline vandalism and sea robberies.

The Navy boss said the suspects were arrested last week, following intelligence tip-offs, adding that they were arrested within the Sapele general area.
He disclosed that the two suspects, Toghan and Miyenminiye, were not the only ones involved in the attacks on the facilities in the Warri North area, assuring listeners that others who were still at large would soon be apprehended.

“Today, I am pleased to inform you that after persistent efforts, the Nigerian Navy Ship Delta, being part of the maritime component of the Operation Delta Safe, has arrested two suspects responsible for the attack on Chevron facilities, witnessed between May and July 2016, around Warri North axis of Delta state.

“It is important to mention that the suspects are also deeply involved in pipelines vandalism and sea robbery along the waterways in Warri North axis. The suspects have provided useful information and I assure you that the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies remain committed to apprehending those behind all forms of criminal activities in the Nigerian maritime domain”, Dzunve said.

Fielding questions from newsmen, one of the suspects, Miyenminiya denied knowledge of the allegation while his partner Tongha insisted that Felix who is his uncle is neck deep in the illegal business.

“My Uncle (Felix) always send us to the river with dynamite and bomb to do the damage to oil facilities and perpetrate other nefarious act”, said Stanley of Felix.
On Operation Delta Safe, the special security outfit put in place to checkmate insurgency and other criminal activities along the waterways, Commodore Dzunye assured listeners that it is on course.

“It is worthy to note that the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies have been doing their best to curtail attacks on oil facilities as well as reducing to the barest minimum act of criminalities in the Niger Delta Area”, Dzunve further said.
He warned that the Nigerian Navy will not fold her hands and watch the unscrupulous elements destroying the nation’s economy.

“Let me also assure members of the public that the Nigerian Navy is poised to curbing criminal activities in the nation’s maritime environment. Above all, we will continue to maintain the Chief of Naval Staff zero tolerance on oil theft and to also provide safe atmosphere for legitimate business to thrive,” remarked the Base Commander.