Mkpoikana Udoma 08 September 2017, Sweetcrude, Port Harcourt -Suspected oil thieves on Monday shot and wounded two soldiers during a gun duel at a bunkering camp in Bille, Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.The Nigerian Army also said it has discovered and destroyed illegal bunkering sites at Elechi Beach and Abonnema wharf, all in Port Harcourt metropolis.
A statement by the Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Aminu Ilyasu, said after the gun duel, troops recovered firearms and ammunition as well as other illegal bunkering tools at the site.
Iliyasu said a massive manhunt in conjunction with other security agencies is under way to track down and arrest the fleeing criminals in order to bring them to justice.
“On 4th September 2017, troops of 6 Division Garrison, Port Harcourt on routine Anti-Bunkering patrol to Elechi and Abonnema Wharf discovered and destroyed several quantities of suspected illegally refined Automated Gas Oil.
“In a similar operation conducted by troops of 29 Battalion Tactical Headquarters, Bille, Rivers State troops encountered armed illegal bunkerers at Feropkakama, a notorious bunkering site, who on sighting troops opened fire.
“The gallant troops repelled the attack and pursued the scampering criminals deep in to the creeks with many of them sustaining gun shot wounds.
“Unfortunately, two brave soldiers were wounded in action, one of them critically but both are responding positively to treatment at a military facility in Port Harcourt.
” In a follow-up operation conducted on 5th September 2017 by troops of 29 Battalion Tactical Headquarters, Bille, Rivers State to the notorious illegal bunkering site at Feropkakama Camp where the troops had an encounter the previous day, more success was recorded as troops discovered 14 Pump Action catridges, 4 empty AK 47 magazines, 8 pumping machines and several other illegal bunkering tools while a massive manhunt in conjunction with other sister security agencies is under way to track down and arrest the fleeing criminals in order to bring them to justice.”
The Nigerian Army, 6th Division Port Harcourt says it will not rest on it hoars until it has fulfilled its constitutional mandate of ending Illegal Oil Bunkering, Kidnapping, Robbery, Cultism, Piracy as well as Stop and Search Operations against other sundry crimes in the Niger Delta.
The Command wwhich restated its commitment to crushing all forms of crime by criminal elements within the region, also said that it has arrested one notorious kidnap kingpin known as Mr David Owhor who terrorises commuters alone the East-West Road.
“Troops of 130 Battalion in Harris Town, Rivers State arrested one of the notorious kidnap kingpins known as Mr David Owhor AKA Chile who along with his gang members (at large) have been terrorising innocent people along East-West Road between Port Harcourt and Choba general area.
“The suspect is currently in military custody making useful confessions and assisting security agencies in making tremendous progress in the investigation that will lead to the eventual arrest of other gang members.”
