The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested three persons for allegedly tampering with a capped oil wellhead in Otuabagi community, Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.

The police also recovered tools suspected to have been used by the suspects in the alleged act, while three other persons reportedly involved in the incident escaped and are being hunted by security operatives.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Muhammed, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday, saying the arrests followed a report received by the command at about 7:35am.

According to the statement, operatives attached to the Ogbia Police Division, working in collaboration with the Community Development Committee, swiftly mobilised to the location and apprehended the suspects.

The arrested persons were identified as Simeon Joshua Ezeke, Pere Thankgod and Gift Elijah.

The police spokesman said three other suspects, identified as Richard Johnbull, Ken and Nabhel Moses, fled before the arrival of the operatives.

He said, “Following a report received by the police on November 12, 2026, at about 7:35am, operatives attached to Ogbia Division, in collaboration with the Community Development Committee, swiftly mobilised to the location, where three suspects were apprehended.”

Muhammed added that “tools suspected to have been used in the act were also recovered, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.”

The command said an investigation had commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the extent of involvement of all those connected with the alleged tampering.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, CP Ajao Adewale, warned residents against tampering with, damaging or interfering with public infrastructure and other valuable assets.

The police commissioner described the protection of critical infrastructure as a collective responsibility, urging members of the public to demonstrate patriotism by safeguarding facilities belonging to the government and communities.

Adewale warned that anyone found culpable would be made to face the full weight of the law.

He said, “The public is cautioned against tampering with, damaging or interfering with public infrastructure and other valuable assets.”

The CP further urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the police, stressing the importance of community cooperation in preventing the destruction of critical infrastructure.

The police assured all that efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and ensure that all those found involved in the incident were brought to justice. (Saturday PUNCH)