Jtf Laments Death Of Two Soldiers In Bayelsa

BEVERLY HILLS, April 07, (THEWILL) – The Joint Military Task Force, JTF Operation Pulo Shield, deployed in the Niger Delta region, has expressed sadness over the loss of two of its personnel on Tuesday in Bayelsa State.

Col. Isa Ado, spokesman of the task force, yesterday, confirmed the death of two soldiers in a gun duel with suspected kidnappers near Nembe in Bayelsa State.

He told NAN on telephone, that the force remained resolute in fishing out those behind the act. He said that the troops, while in pursuit of the suspects, killed one and made some arrests.

Noting that details were still sketchy on the operation, Ado said: “The unfortunate incident happened on Tuesday morning at Ogbolomabiri-Nembe Junction, some two kilometres from Nembe, when our troops on escort duty encountered some gunmen who happened to be kidnappers.

“The kidnappers attacked our soldiers and there was exchange of gunfire and we lost two of our personnel. They (suspected kidnappers) whisked away an expatriate who works for a construction firm, Setraco and fled through the waterways.

“The loss of our personnel is unfortunate, and their death in the line of duty for peace in the Niger Delta is very painful.

“Their supreme sacrifice can never be in vain as the Commander of operation Pulo Shield has given stern directives to apprehend the criminals to face prosecution and free the hostage.”

NAN