Joint Military Force deployed to the Niger Delta, Operation Delta Safe says it successfully repelled an attack by Niger Delta Avengers at a gas facility in Delta and killed two pirates in ongoing operations in the region.
A statement by Lt-Col. Olaolu Daudu, Spokesman of the Joint Force, made this known in Bayelsa on Tuesday.
Daudu said that the operations were carried out between Saturday and Tuesday.
“Troops deployed at Delta State while on watch at the Nigeria Gas Company Outpost in Batan/Egwa Area of Warri South West Local Government of Delta encountered suspected militants who claimed to be members of Niger Delta Avengers.
“They came in two 200 Horsepower Speed capacity boats but were subsequently engaged and repelled. Effort is ongoing to apprehend the criminals.
“Troops also rescued a Passenger boat from sea robbers at Idoro River in Ozobo Community, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State.
“While trying to escape, the sea robbers’ boat collided with that of the passenger boat and capsized.
“Four of the suspected sea robbers were arrested however, four locally made double barrel guns belonging to the suspects fell into the river.
“Efforts are ongoing to recover the guns while suspects are in custody for further investigation,” Daudu stated.
He also said that troops on patrol at Asugbo Tibigbene and Beneth River Warri South Local Government Area impounded a wooden boat carrying 53 drums of illegally refined substance at Asugbo.
Also, troops while on clearance operation at Yorkiri, Obotobo, Chamomi Creek Okerenkoko and Open river arrested a Cotonou boat conveying jerrycans for possible loading of substance.
The Spokesman said that in another development, troops arrested a 21-year-old man, Usman Jafar, an indigene of Adamawa State, who had been parading himself as a serving soldier.
The suspect allegedly robbed Atima Aghogho along Ajanuga Road and the following items were also recovered from him, one fake Nigerian Army Identity Card, one First Bank of Nigeria ATM Card and an iPhone belonging to one of his victims.
“Following a tip off, troops in conjunction with members of Petroleum Task Force conducted a raid at Ifieporo community in Warri South Local Government and discovered an area used for storage of stolen petroleum products.
“Other items discovered are several rubber drums and jerry cans containing substance suspected to be illegal oil bunkering mats.
“Troops also recovered a black coloured Audi vehicle loaded with several water proof bags containing substance suspected to be products of illegal bunkering.
“Following another tip off, troops discovered four identified hideouts used for storing substance suspected to be illegally refined Automated Gas Oil around Ohoro junction, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
“No arrests were made while troops are on the trail of the perpetrators,” Daudu stated.
Daudu also said that on Tuesday, while on routine check, the troops arrested one suspected bugler with N136,000 cash, one Infinix Note II handset, and one venue handset.
He said the items and the suspect would be handed over to the Nigeria Police.
“Troops at Batan reported a loud sound suspected to be an explosion.
“Further findings revealed that a barge carrying equipment used for the repairs of the Trans Forcados Pipeline at the repair site in Eweregbene community was blown by suspected Niger Delta Avengers militants who retreated after troops repelled the attack.
“However, 2 un-exploded dynamites were found at the scene on a branch and swamp buggy were successfully detonated by troops,” Daudu stated.