Mkpoikana Udoma 07 April 2016, Sweetcrude, Port Harcourt – The Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta said on Wednesday it had killed one suspect and arrested three sea pirates in connection with the killing of two soldiers and the abduction of an expatriate along Ogbia-Nembe road in Bayelsa State.
Recall that yesterday, 5th April 2016, suspected sea pirates reportedly attacked a construction company along Ogbia-Nembe road in Bayelsa State, killing two soldiers attached to a company and abducted an expatriate working with the company.
A statement by the spokesperson of the JTF, Colonel Isa Ado, said troops have dominated the Niger Delta creeks in its effort to rescue the abducted expatriate and apprehend the kidnappers.
The statement urged all hands to be on deck in the fight against militancy and kidnapping, and enjoined people to go on with their legitimate activities as the Joint TaskForce is on top of the situation.
According to the statement, “In a swift reaction to rescue the abducted expatriate and arrest the perpetrators who attacked troops on 5th April 2016 along Nembe road in Bayelsa State, troops of Operation Pulo Shield during a manhunt on the criminals along Soku Gas plant encountered suspected militants who opened fire on them which they quickly repelled killing one suspect and wounding many.
“Three suspects were arrested but claimed to be victims of the pirates attack.
“Equipment recovered from the criminals during the encounter includes two AK 47 Automatic Assault Rifle and 10 magazine loaded with 7.62mm special ammunition. Troops had dominated the creeks and land trotting highly intensified in its efforts to rescue the abducted expatriate and apprehend the kidnappers.
“The Command wish to use this medium to call on good people of the Niger Delta region to come up with reliable information that will lead to the arrest of the fleeing suspects while assuring the region the determination of Operation Pulo Shield to flush out all illegal activities in the Niger Delta.”