The joint military force deployed to the Niger Delta, Operation DELTA SAFE, says it killed seven militants in an operation during an operation on Friday.
The troops came under attack by a militant group identified as Bakassi Strike Force on Friday, according to a statement by Lieutenant Commander Thomas Otuji, the Deputy Spokesman of the joint force.
Otuji said the operation took place in the early hours of Friday, adding: “Troops deployed at Efut Isighi at about1a.m. on September 30, 2016 engaged the Bakassi Strike Force in gun battle that lasted for more than two hours.
“The militants, who were in military camouflage uniforms carrying charms and amulets were spotted at Ekpere Effiong creek in Akpabuyo during a special operation by our troops.
“The operation led to the killing of seven members of Bakassi Strike force militants and recovered several arms and ammunition.”
The deputy spokesman said items recovered included Grenade Launcher, 7.62mm NATO belted General Purpose Machine Gun ammunition and non disintegrating MG links.
Otuji noted that the attack on troops position followed ongoing operations and destruction of several militant camps, vehicles, power bike and other household items.
The joint military operation recalled that on September 24, the same militant group attacked troops location at Efut Isighi water front in Southern Cross River.
In another development, Sector 1 of Operation DELTA SAFE foiled and arrested two suspects who attempted to vandalise a Nigeria Petroleum Development Company trans Farcodo pipeline.
The 16 inch pipeline runs from Ughelli pumping station to Forcados Terminal at Agbowhiame Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
On interrogation, eight suspects were arrested as mentioned by two arrested suspects.
Several items including gas cylinder tubes with accessories, Hacksaw, pipe wrench and personal effects were recovered at the scene.
Operation DELTA SAFE assured the public of its determination to degrade and flush out criminal elements from communities.
The military therefore requested the public to provide timely information to Operation DELTA SAFE and other security agencies in order to apprehend criminals from the
hideouts.