Troops Emerge Victorious In Gun Battle With Militants, Kill Seven

Source: thewillnigeria.com

BEVERLY HILLS, September 30, (THEWILL) – Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Operation Delta Safe (ODS) have killed seven militants during a gun battle in the creeks of Cross River State.

Confirming the development on Friday, the Deputy Media Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre (JMCC), Lt. Col. Thomas Otuji, said troops deployed in Efut Isighi encountered the militants on Friday and killed seven of them.

“Troops of Sector 4 Operation DELTA SAFE deployed at Efut Isighi at about 1:00am on 30 September 2016 engaged the Bakassi Strike Force in gun battle that lasted for more than 2 hours,” he revealed.

“The militants who were in military camouflage uniforms carrying charms and amulets were spotted at Ekpere Effiong creek in Akpabuyo during a special operation by own troops.

“The operation led to the killing of 7 members of Bakassi Strike force militants and recovering of several arms and ammunition.

“Items recovered include, Grenade Launcher, 7.62mm NATO belted GPMG ammunition and non-disintegrating MG links.

“It should be noted that this latest reprisal attack on own troop position was sequel to ongoing operations and destruction of several militant camps, vehicles, power bike and other household items.

“The operation that led to the killing of the militants was in line with the mandate of ODS to protect oil and gas infrastructure, prevent and deter militancy, sea robbery, crude oil theft and other forms of criminality within the Niger Delta region.

In another development, he said the Sector 1 of ODS foiled an attempt by suspected vandals to breach a pipeline, OML 30, a 16-inch trans-Forcado pipeline, belonging to the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC).

He said two suspected vandals, Thomas Okoro and Maselk Boyi, were arrested for further investigations.

“On interrogation, eight other suspects mentioned by the two arrested suspects are being trailed,” he said.

“Several items including; gas cylinder tubes with accessories, hacksaw, pipe wrench and personal effects were recovered at the scene.

“Operation Delta Safe wishes to assure the general public of its determination to degrade and flush out criminal elements in our communities.

“Members of the public are therefore requested to provide timely information to Operation Delta Safe detachments and other security agencies in order to apprehend these criminals from the hideouts.”

Story by David Oputah