Colonel Ado stated that the suspects were behind a series of attacks and sea robbery activities on the Mbikiri and Nembe 1 waterways of the State.
A seventeen-year old youngster was among four suspects paraded by officials of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) for alleged involvement in sea piracy and other crimes in the waterways of Bayelsa State.
The four suspects paraded yesterday were Robinson Sunday (22 years), David Mate (21years), Jockey Daukoru (17 years) and 18-year old Lelegite.
The JTF alleged that the quartet was responsible for most of the daring sea pirate attacks in the State. According Lieutenant Colonel Isa Ado, the coordinator of the JTF’s media team, the suspects were arrested at Mbikiri and Nembe 1 communities by troops deployed at Fontua in the Brass local government area of Bayelsa State.
He disclosed that one AK 47 rifle with registration number QQ1798, four rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition, one G3 rifle loaded with 7.62 mm, and one pump action gun loaded with cartridges were among the things recovered from the suspects.
Colonel Ado stated that the suspects were behind a series of attacks and sea robbery activities on the Mbikiri and Nembe 1 waterways of the State.
“These criminals take advantage of the difficult terrain and maneuver in the creeks to attack and unleash terror on their victims. However, the concerted efforts of the JTF paid off as they were arrested on Monday the 11th [of May] and the early hours of Tuesday 12th May,” said the officer.
The JTF spokesman urged the residents of the area to buy into the zero tolerance campaign launched by the JTF commander, Major General Emmanuel Atewe. He pleaded with the residents of the communities to always offer useful information to enable the JTF to track down miscreants and criminals in the Niger Delta creeks.
He said the arrests would make the waterways safer and more conducive for voyage and economic activities in the region.
One of the suspects, David Mate (alias Black Jesus), told reporters that he was arrested Monday night by the troops at his home, but said the guns and ammunition belong to one of the gang members who is on the run.