Mkoikana Udoma 11 May 2017, Sweetcrude, Port Harcourt- The Joint Military Task Force operating in the Niger Delta region, Operation Delta Safe, OPDS, has reiterated its commitment to protecting oil and gas infrastructure and prevent militancy, sea robbery, crude oil theft and other forms of criminality within the region.
Commander of OPDS, Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman, stated this while briefing newsmen in Bayelsa on update in Ajakpa operation which took place in southern Ondo State that led to killing of notorious militant kingpin, Ossy Ibori, last recently.
Suleiman also condole the families of fallen military men, who paid the supreme price in the course of maintaining peace and security in the operation.
He described the fallen heroes dedicated and gallant laden with vigour and determination to protect their fatherland, assuring that their sacrifice will never be in vain.
According to him, “The aimed is to update you on our recent exploit to protect the oil and gas infrastructure and rid joint operation area of crude oil theft, militancy, kidnapping and other forms of criminalities.
At 8.45pm on Sunday, April 30, OPDS troops on special operations reportedly repelled a deliberate pre-emptive attack at Ajakpa community of Ese-Odo Local Government of Ondo State.
During the duel, the kingpin Ossy Ibori, notorious criminal was killed, among his other gang members.
The OPDS boss explained that after the successful operation, troops carried out a raid operation to clear remnants of miscreants and militant camps, shrines and hideouts used as safe haven were cleared.
He also disclosed that OPDS has reopened the Ajakpa-Bolowo waterway in Ondo State which was blocked by notorious Ossy Ibori gang for the past four months.
“Meanwhile, arrests were made and some quantities of items of munitions were recovered. It was believed that remaining militants fled when their leader was killed in action. But we will continue to maintain our presence in the general area in order to deter and apprehend all unrepentant criminals terrorising the peace loving people of the communities.
“Let me also inform you that our troops have successfully unblocked Ajakpa-Bolowo waterway which has been blocked by Ossy Ibori gang for the past four months. It is now cleared and opened for free flow of water navigation by the general public.
“Our troops will continue to patrol all waterways in the Niger Delta include southern Ondo where militants are currently terrorising the general public, to ensure there is no hindrance of any form to public peace,” he said.