Military discovers 23 human skulls in militant camps

Arrests 44 IPOB members in Bayelsa

The joint military operation in the Niger Delta code-named ‘Operation DELTA SAFE’ has disclosed how troops discovered 23 human skulls, human skeletons and other human parts in various stages of decomposition in four militant camps in Cross River State.

It also disclosed that troops of Sector 2 of the outfit arrested 44 members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) at a night-club in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State while trying to inaugurate the state chapter.

A statement by the Co-ordinator of the Joint Media Campaign Centre (JMCC), Lt.-Col. Olaolu Dauda, said both operations were carried out on a tip-off.

The statement said: “On October 26, 2016, troops of Sector 4 code-named Operation DELTA SAFE in southern Cross River State acting on a tip-off carried out a raid in Ikot Ene Idem, Abakpa and Ikang Inam in Bakassi and Akpabuyo local councils of Cross River State.

“During the cordon and search operations, troops discovered four militant shrines with 23 human skulls in various stages of decomposition, a complete human skeleton and several other human body parts.

“The shrines were destroyed as troops continue the search for the perpetrators of these heinous acts against humanity. With the clearance of these shrines, the Bakassi Strike Force has effectively been smoked out from the areas they used to hold sway.”

The military also said its troops arrested two suspected agents of the Bakassi Strike Force while on patrol of the areas mentioned.

It said preliminary investigation has revealed that the arrested suspects are agents who act as spies for the militants.

In another development, the military said troops of Sector 2 on October 22, 2016 trailed a group of people, which led to the arrest of 44 members of the proscribed IPOB.

It said they were apprehended at Lakeview Club along Mabinton Estate, Okaka Road, Bayelsa State, as they were planning to establish Bayelsa State Chapter of the banned IPOB.

It also stated that the members arrested were disrupting public peace within the areas and have been handed over to relevant authorities for further investigations.

Besides, it said troops of Sector 3 of the outfit in Rivers State on October 23, 2016, raided the hideout of cult members following a distress call from Finima in Bonny of an attack by some cult members using AK 47 rifles to terrorise members of the community.