The Nigerian military operation in restive Niger Delta region has suffered a major blow after a boat accident on Monday, September 5, 2016, along the Brass Water Front in Brass area of Bayelsa state, drowned four soldiers to death.
It was also reported that the service rifles belonging to the missing soldiers, who were taking part in the “Operation Crocodile Smile,” are yet to be found.
The incident, which occurred at about 10am on Monday, created panic among newly deployed soldiers, reports say.
A member of the Community, identified as Etta, said that attempts by community youths and other soldiers to rescue the drowned soldiers were fruitless as they could not be found.
“In recent times, we have been noticing increased movement of soldiers in our area,” Etta said.
“The boat that capsized was conveying a new batch of soldiers to the waterfront. I was going to dispose of refuse at the waterfront and I saw uniformed soldiers struggling to rescue their colleagues from a boat.
“When the confusion subsided, four soldiers were found to be missing with their rifles and other military gear.
“Some others that were rescued had their rifle missing and were struggling out of the water.”
It was gathered that the military authorities sought the help of local divers and youths in the community to help in the search for the missing soldiers.
