The Rivers State Police Command, on Thursday, said it had arrested 10 suspected pipeline vandals who were linked to several pipeline vandalisation and adulteration of petroleum products in the state.

Those in the police net are Barikuma Nnate, Borbari Tombari, Godwin Deera, Aagbaa Yom and Prince Vidigio.

Others are Friday Barizaa, Promise Oku, Sorbaai Zorzor, Charles Naadebee and their driver, Okorie Thomas.
Briefing newsmen, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mrs. Rita Inoma-Abbey (SP), said the suspects were caught with a tanker loaded with the adulterated petroleum products, while the driver was arrested on Wednesday, near the Okrika Sandfill.

She disclosed that the suspects were among a notorious gang engaged in vandalisation of pipelines and adulteration of petroleum products within Gokana Local Government Area and its environs, adding that the suspects would soon be charged to court after extensive investigations.

Inoma-Abbey further said the state police command had rescued one Mrs. Mary Kpagi, who was abducted from her Port Harcourt residence by suspected kidnappers a week ago.

According to the police imagemaker, “police patrol teams acted on a tip-off and stormed the hideout of the kidnappers, arrested five of them before rescuing their victim.

“The police is intensifying efforts to rescue the Secretary of Oyigbo Local Government Area, Mr. Solomon Nwanbu, and one Mr. Ibitayo Samuel, who were kidnapped by unknown gunmen at a guest house along Oyigbo Road”, she added.