The Commander, ‘Operation Delta Safe’, the Special Joint Security Task Force for Niger Delta, Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman disclosed on Friday, that troops of the Task Force have dislodged several armed militants who had taken control of the Ajakpa-Bolowo waterways for months and were making life miserable for users, especially commercial and other economic activities.
Briefing newsmen in Yenagoa, Suleiman said, “Let me inform you that our troops have successfully unblocked Ajakpa – Bolowo waterway which has been blocked by Ossy Ibori gang for the past 4 months”.
He said the waterways which had been turned into a money making venture, which also assisted the nefarious kidnapping activities of criminal gangs, “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 including Southern Ondo where militants are currently terrorizing the general public, to ensure there is no hindrance of any form to public peace”.
Giving an update on recent exploits by the security outfit to protect the oil and gas infrastructure, Rear Admiral Suleiman said the joint operation is to rid the area of crude oil theft, militancy, kidnappings and other forms of criminalities.
“You are aware that early this week at 8.45pm on Sunday 30 April 2017, our troops on special operations 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.
“Following that successful operation, our troops carried out a raid operation to clear remnants of miscreants/militant camps, shrines and hideouts used as safe haven were cleared”.
“It is believed that they are proceeds of criminality”.
“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 terrorizing the peace loving people of the communities”.
“Let me also inform you that our troops have
I would like to use this opportunity to condole the families of our fallen heroes, who paid the supreme price in the course of maintaining peace and security in this operation.
“They were dedicated, gallant laden with vigour and determination to protect their fatherland.
“I assure you that their sacrifice will never be in vain.
“Let me use this opportunity to also commend the general public especially non-violent youth of Niger Delta and the press for all the support given to us in achieving our mandate.
Which remains, “To Protect Oil and Gas Infrastructure and Deter/Prevent Militancy, Sea Robbery, Crude Oil Theft and Other forms of Criminality within Joint Area of Operation”
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