Bayelsa guber: Troops arrests 17 over stolen PVCs, illegal possession of arms

Authorities of the Nigerian Military yesterday confirmed the arrest of 17 politicians in Bayelsa State over unauthorised possession of Multiple Permanent Voter Cards and illegal arms and ammunition during the disputed December 5 and 6 governorship election in the state.

The Commander of the 2nd Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brig. – Gen. Stevenson Olabanji, dismissed the claims of complicity of the military in the violence that rocked the election in the state, insisting that the troops conducted themselves professionally during the contest on December 5 and 6.

Olabanji said the briefing was to create awareness in the public on the arrest of political thugs with stolen Permanent Voter Cards and recovery of arms and ammunition during the election.

He said troops were deployed in all local government areas of the state to support the police and secure Independent National Electoral Commission’s materials and officials as well as boost the confidence of the civilian populace.

The Brigade Commander said despite the presence of the troops and other security agencies, some thugs armed with dangerous weapons tried to disrupt the smooth process of the election.
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He said in Clough Creek military checkpoint in Ekeremor area of the state, three youths were apprehended with 30 suspected PVCs and that the suspects were duly handed over to the police for further investigation.
Olabanji said in Southern Ijaw, the area that has now become contentious, the troops met a highly tensed situation caused by members of contending political parties.

He said there was also information on the high influx of arms into the communities, particularly in Oporoma, the headquarters of the LGA.
“Sporadic gunshots were later heard from Oporoma where it was discovered that unidentified rival gunmen had entered the community in an attempt to storm the INEC collation centre and hijack sensitive materials.
“It was as a result of this action that led to the swift response by troops of Operation Safe Conduct to track down the miscreants.Consequently, there was exchange of fire which led to the arrest of five suspects and recovery of five AK 47 rifles and some ammunition. The suspects were also handed over to the Police.”