Military arrests militants, kidnappers, destroys illegal refineries

Foils suicide bomb attempt in Maiduguri

The military operating in the Niger Delta under ‘Operation Delta Safe’ yesterday said more suspected militants had been apprehend.

The military also disclosed that a kidnap attempt was foiled and some illegal refineries were destroyed in separate operations across the region.

Three armed men suspected to be members of the Bakers Strike Force (BSF) including one Moses Okokon, were apprehended at Okon Mkpa community of Efut Esighi, Bakassi local council of Cross River State while troops stationed in Delta State foiled an attempt by kidnappers to kidnap two women.

A statement by army spokesperson, Lt. Cmdr. Thomas Otuji said the women were rescued by troops after receiving distress calls.

He said the troops immediately swung into action and rescued the victims who were abducted at gunpoint, while a suspect was arrested. Two others escaped.

A local single barrel gun was recovered from the suspect.

According to the statement: “In another development, while on routine patrol, troops of Sector 1 Operation Delta Safe raided and destroyed illegal refineries at Opumami and Okogho creeks in Warri South and Warri North local council. The suspects abandoned the site and fled on sighting the patrol boats.”

Also a detachment of Operation Delta Safe of Sector 3 (Rivers State) on October 4 discovered and destroyed illegal bunkering sites along Bille creek during a routine patrol.

While no arrest was made, the statement said various items including five oil dumps with five drums of stolen crude, 1 x 85 HPW speedboat, and pumping machine were seized from the illegal bunkers.

Meanwhile, the army has killed a suicide bomber while attempting to attack troops on the outskirts of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

A statement said the suspected male suicide bomber was sighted by vigilant troops who asked him to stop for clearance, but he refused and attempted to get closer. He was however shot dead by a soldier.

The statement said: “The terrorist who attempted to infiltrate the troops forward defences at Jidari Polo general area came in through Alidawari village about four kilometres ahead of Jidari strapped with heavy Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) vest.