Militants kill three soldiers in Bayelsa
…As DHQ warns new militant group
Three soldiers attached to Operation Pulo Shield – the joint force in the Niger Delta – were killed in an attack by suspected militants in Bayelsa State.
It was gathered that the gunmen, who operated on a speedboat, overran a military outpost at Foropa, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, and gunned down the soldiers.
The military reportedly evacuated the bodies of the slain soldiers before dawn.
After killing their victims, the militants reportedly carted away two AK47 riffles, a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) and other ammunition at the Foropa checkpoint.
A top security source said the militants struck at about 1.30am on Tuesday in a surprise attack, adding that the soldiers could have been sleeping when the incident occurred.
In the meantime, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has warned those engaged on economic terrorism to desist forthwith with their activities as the military will employ all available means to stop it.
The DHQ stated in a statement, signed by its spokesman, Brigadier General Rabe Abubakar that, “is not unaware of the emergence of a group in the Niger Delta region who have vowed to cripple economic activities through pipeline vandalism, oil theft and kidnap of expatriate workers in that region; it will not hesitate to deploy every available resources to deal decisively with any threats to economic lifeline of the nation.
“The military will employ all available means and measures within its Rule of Engagement to crush any individual or group that engages in the destruction of strategic assets and facilities of the government in the Niger Delta or any other location and they will stand to regret the consequences of their actions.
“The whole world has seen what they are causing in terms of economic terrorism against the nation and would be treated as criminals in line with the laws of the land.
“The DHQ advices the community leaders, Traditional Rulers and the general public to cooperate with the security agencies to ensure the apprehension of the culprits for the interest of our great nation; as no individual or group interest is above national interest of this country.”
