The 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, disclosed this on Monday, in a statement put out by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Captain Eli Lazarus, in Port Harcourt.
He said the incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, February 7, at Agip’s gas facility in Akala Olu village in Oshie community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State disrupting production activities adding that the vandals were suspected members of Icelander cult group.
The vandals had already threatened to carry out further acts of vandalism, unless their demands were met.
“The group demanded for the release of a detained suspect-one Mr. Emmanuel Odum, currently undergoing interrogation in connection with pipeline vandalism and cult-related activities.
“I wish to state categorically that, 2 Brigade will not be cowed into doing the bidding of any criminal group.
“For the avoidance of doubt, anyone caught destroying such critical national asset will be severely dealt with in accordance with the law,” Lazarus said.
He added that the youth are not acting alone but have the backing and support of some politicians to perpetrate criminal activities in the state.
“Additionally, it is now known that some politicians are arming these groups and encouraging them with inciting comments to breach public peace.
“No one should be in doubt of the capacity of the military to deal decisively with such persons. If anyone is caught breaching public peace, particularly during the forthcoming elections, such person or persons should have themselves to blame.
“Already, some suspected patrons and sponsors of these criminal groups are being closely monitored by security agencies.”
