Security agents in the South-south have foiled an organised attack by vandals to destroy an oil facility in the restive region.
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Troops in the joint military task force in the Niger Delta, code-named Operation Delta Safe, have prevented militants from vandalizing a Nigerian Petroleum Development Corporation (NPDC) wellhead at Kokori Oil Field, Oil Mining Lease 30 located at Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State.
The vandals reportedly fled on sighting the security agents. The troops in Sector 4, deployed at Efut Esighi in southern Cross River State, also said they have killed a notorious militant popularly known as Okon Iyo as he was trying to escape from an anti-militancy operation.
A statement on Monday released by the Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre of the operation, Lieutenant-Colonel Olaolu Marcellinus Daudu, said the troops also discovered the dead body of a Bakassi Strike Force militant who had earlier engaged in a gun battle, but who escaped with injuries. His body was found in a bush close to the main road in Effionsa, Bakassi Local Government Area.
According to him, the troops also raided the compound of a suspected member of the Bakassi Strike Force, Mr. Otobong Sunday Essien, at Road 27 Resettlement Center Bakassi.
“A motor bike was recovered from his compound. In addition, troops intercepted a Passat wagon car owned by a suspected Bakassi Strike Force militant known as ‘G1.’ He is the sentry Commander of the group,” the spokesman said.
The statement added: “Troops deployed at Ikang border patrolled Ikot Offing Ambai in Akpabuyo Local Government Area, where they discovered a militants’ shrine and also apprehended the Chief Priest of the group with empty box of ammunition at another shrine at Ekpri Ebutong Estate in Bakassi.
"On 31 October 2016, troops foiled vandalism of NPDC Well Head at Kokori Oil Field, Oil Mining Lease 30 located at Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State. Vandals fled the site on sighting troops.
“Operation Delta Safe will continue to ensure sanity of the Niger Delta region as law abiding members of the public go about their legitimate daily businesses.”