The Defence Headquarters said on Wednesday that the troops of Operation DELTA SAFE, in Bayelsa, raided the Pirates/Militants’ camp and Kidnappers’ hideouts, eliminating five criminals in the process.
The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.Gen. John Enenche, who disclosed this in a statement in Abuja, said the raid took place on Tuesday.
According to him, the troops, acting on credible intelligence, monitored movements of a suspected pirate/sea gang leader, who had sneaked into town from Port Harcourt, in the company of another known notorious kidnapper.
He explained that the troops subsequently raided the pirates’ camp at Tukugbene-Ayama ijaw Local Government Area, to arrest both suspects and their gang members.
Enenche said however, that upon arrival at the personal jetty of the suspect, the troops met heavy resistance from pirates/militants in five boats that approached from adjoining creek, adding that “the overwhelming fire power of our troops led to the forceful withdrawal of the pirates/militants, with various degrees of gunshots wounds.
“The gallant troops sustained the fire fight until five of the pirates/militants were neutralised ashore.
“Furthermore, three of the attacking boats were sunk while the occupants with various degree of gunshot wounds escaped into the river.
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“In the process, troops recovered three boats from the pirates.
“Additionally, our troops took over the jetty and advanced to the objective area which was empty.”
The Defence Media Operations Coordinator said that the troops cordoned off the area and conducted a search of the building where the suspects were believed to be residing and thereafter cleared the building.
He disclosed that the troops recovered three AK47 rifles with a magazine, two 200 HP Yamaha outbound engines and three 115HP Yamaha outbound engines during the operation.
He further disclosed that troops also raided an identified hideout belonging to a notorious criminal/kidnapper and oil thief along Mbiama East West road.
During the operation, he said the troops arrested the kingpin while attempting to escape and recovered items which include a locally made pistol and cartridges.
Enenche said further: “(The suspect) is reported to be a close ally to a notorious criminal known as VIP suspected to be one of the mastermind of the killing of 5 Battalion Soldiers around East West road.
“The Military High Command congratulates the gallant troops for their dexterity and encourages them to remain resolute in curtailing the activities of pirates/militants in the Niger Delta region of the country.”
