The Nigerian military action in the waters of the South South states took on a whole new dangerous dimension with the death of a soldier and two declared missing after a militant group, the Bakassi Strike Force, engaged the troops in fierce battle on Saturday, September 24, 2016.
“Today, at the early hours of the morning, suspected militants led by the declared wanted criminal kingpin, Benjamin Simplee (AKA G1) leader of the Bakassi Strike Force, in several speed boats attacked troops deployed at Efut Esighi waterfront in Bakassi LGA of Cross River State,” Nigerian Army spokesperson, Colonel Sani Usman disclosed in an e-mailed statement to The Trent a few minutes ago.
“During the attack, a soldier was killed in action, while 2 soldiers were missing in action. They also burnt a buffalo pickup vehicle. The troops have also killed 2 of the attackers while the rest escaped with gun shot wounds,” the statement said further.
The Nigerian troops have sent for reinforcement and the missing soldiers have been located, the army spokesperson disclosed.
‘The troops location have been reinforced with more gunboats and air component. The clearance and pursuit operation is on going,” Usman said.
“We would like to assure the public that this singular act would not deter us from the discharge of our duties, therefore, the perpetrators of this dastardly act would be found and brought to justice.
“The Nigerian Army wish to send an unequivocal warning to all the criminal elements in the society that intent to attack any of its locations to have a rethink.
The Niger Delta Avengers announced Saturday morning that the group has resumed hostilities in the region, ending the announced ceasefire. A major crude oil export pipeline, the Bonny 48, was blown up in the night of Friday.
