From FEMI FOLARANMI, Yenagoa
The Naval component of Bayelsa State security outfit, ‘Operation Doo Akpoo’ and Bayelsa State police command have discovered a cache of arms in Koulama, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
This is just as the Naval Central Command has reiterated its determination to stamp out oil bunkering by beefing up patrol in the waterways.
Governor Henry Seriake Dickson had raised the alarm recently that some political elements had completed plans to destabilise Bayelsa State, being the home state of President Goodluck Jonathan because of the 2015 presidential election.
Eyewitness account in Koualama stated that four naval gunboats with naval personnel and armed policemen stormed the community on Sunday night and went straight to a house, which was deserted as of the time of their arrival and after a thorough search they dug out arms and ammunition.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Tonye Ebitibituwa who addressed journalists during the display of the arms and ammunition said the police acted on a tip-off, but unfortunately the house where the arms were kept was deserted.
Ebitibituwa disclosed that the arms recovered included eight pump actions guns, five AK 47 rifles, 1780 assorted ammunitions and 19 magazines. He explained that the import of what Operation Doo Akpoo had achieved was that it had demonstrated that with the right information and logistics, they could ensure the security of Bayelsans.
Ebitibutuwa, who said investigation had commenced on the source of the arms and ammunition, reiterated that the Bayelsa State police command was capable of protecting lives and property. Meanwhile the Central Naval Command has warned that it would not condone criminal activities in its area of responsibility.
The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Rear Admiral John Olutoyin, who disclosed this while announcing the handover of seven suspected illegal oil bunkerers to the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), said any vessel found loitering without permission would be arrested.
Via: http://sunnewsonline.com/
