The Nigerian Army on Sunday said it arrested 10 suspected militants and pipeline vandals
in the Niger Delta region.
The Commander, 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Benin City, Brigadier General Farouk Yahaya, while addressing newsmen, said that they were arrested during a cordon and search exercise conducted in Oporozoa community and its environs in Delta State.
However, the residents have decried the invasion and occupation of the community since Saturday and had raised alarm over the intimidation of innocent residents.
A resident who simply identified himself as Raphael said that the soldiers had arrested innocent people who could not run away fast enough and labelled them members of the Niger Delta Avengers while the rest of the people are currently taking refuge in the bush.
Yahaya said that the arrested suspects may have links with the Niger Delta Avengers militant group as guns, ammunition and other equipment were recovered from them.
He maintained that the operation was conducted professionally in line with the code of conduct and rules of engagement of the Nigerian Army.
The Army also reaffirmed its commitment to tackling pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta region.
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