GOVERNMENT FORMS NEW GROUP TO TAKE DOWN PIPELINE VANDALS

The federal government has displayed its commitment to wipe out pipeline vandalism in the country by launching a military operation code named Operation AWATSU.
A lot of pipeline vandalism has been going in the country especially in the Niger Delta region following the order by a court in Lagos calling for the arrest of Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo.
The activities of the vandals resulted in the closure of the Warri, Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries.
The Punch reports that operatives of Operation AWATSU have begun serious operation with the arrest of 25 members of the gang of vandals operating at the Arepo in Ogun state and parts of Lagos.

Brig.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, the acting director of defence information said 50 vehicles belonging to the vandals in the ongoing operation in Lagos.
He said the military was poised towards protecting pipelines across the country.

“You see, we are taking proactive measures. As I speak to you, there is an operation called ‘Operation AWATSU.’ We are doing enough in that place, if you follow what has been happening, there has been serious arrests and seizures.
“Just of recent, about 25 persons were arrested with 50 vehicles in Lagos. This operation is ongoing until we sanitise the whole general area and I believe we will do that because this is a very important axis that cannot be neglected, and whoever is doing this kind of thing is not a true Nigerian.
“And some of them were arrested and we will continue to do that. That is why the chief of Naval Staff canvassed for a special court to try such persons, so as to serve as a deterrent to others and that is the position of the Armed Forces.”
He urged people in the host communities to cooperate with security operatives so as to maintain security.