The Bayelsa State Police Command says it has intercepted a Russian gas turbine worth N7.2bn and prevented it from being stolen at Etelebou, Gbarain community of Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Asuquo Amba, who made the disclosure at a news conference in Yenagoa on Monday, said seven suspects were arrested and five trucks recovered during the operation.
Amba stated, ”On January 29, 2017 at about 1400 hours, through information, the police intercepted a Russian gas turbine at Etelebou, Gharain and prevented the removal of the said turbine valued at about N7.2bn.
”Seven suspects were arrested and five trucks recovered. Investigation is ongoing.”
The police commissioner, who resumed office about two weeks ago, also said the police had arrested one of the suspected kidnappers that killed an army personnel and a civilian along the Angiama river between Bayelsa and Delta states in July 2016.
Amba explained, ”On July 5, 2016, one Captain Buruma, male, who was in charge of a vessel, Yade One, was kidnapped by unknown gunmen along Angiama river, between Bayelsa and Delta State, during which an army personnel and a civilian were killed.
”The victim was held hostage for about 63 days together with two others: one Sunny Andy and Bernard Narebo, along Azuzuama area of Bayelsa State before he was released by his captors.
”One of the kidnappers, Shola Job, male, 24 years from Azuzuama community, was sighted at Okutukuku in Yenagoa on February 1, 2017 at about 2pm in Yenagoa by one of the victims who raised the alarm and he (Job) was arrested. The suspect is undergoing interrogation and investigation is ongoing.”
He said the command was poised to stamp out crime and criminality in the state and to make Bayelsa peacefu and safe.