Metro

Military bombs militants’ Lagos camps, over 100 killed

Published

8 years ago

July 31, 2016

The Nigerian military continued its assault on the camps of suspected militants on Saturday with intense bombardment of Fatola, in the Igando area of Lagos State.

Fatola is believed to be the base of militants and pipeline vandals that operate in the Arepo area of Ogun State.

The aerial bombardment, which started at about 12pm was said to have lasted for about 30 minutes, killing no fewer than 100 suspected militants.

The attack by the military however caught residents unawares, as they made frantic efforts to run for dear lives while the released missiles reportedly shook the ground in a terrifying manner.

Speaking on the attack, a source close to the militants said the missiles leveled the base of the militants.

He said: “The whole place has been leveled. From the information I just gathered, those killed today (Saturday) cannot be less than 100. I am aware that some of them (the militants) are presently in the waters where they are hiding. They are making calls and seeking escape routes from the place.”

Another source disclosed that the militants abandoned their ammunition in the creeks, adding that they could regroup and cause greater havoc if given a breathing space.

He said: “The heat is on them. One of them said it was because of the kidnap of a monarch in Lagos (Oniba of Iba) that the missile attack was intensified.

“He said he had asked his colleagues to release the monarch, but they didn’t listen. I am aware that the monarch will be released between today and tomorrow, if he has not been killed.

“The military should deploy secret officials in Ibafo, Pakuro, Wawa and other villages. I believe those places will be their next hideouts. They must not be given any breathing space. If they are allowed to regroup, there will be serious problems.”

Confirming the air strikes, the acting Director of Defence Information, Brig-General Rabe Abubakar, said: “The joint operation will continue until the area is secure and free from all forms of unwanted and criminal gangs whether they are militants or vandals.”

On the number of casualty, Abubakar said he cannot confirm the exact casualty figure in the operation. “There are so many camps, and we will continue to destroy them in that operation.

“We have taken some camps. The casualties cannot be confirmed but I know that we were able to target some of their camps and locations.”

By Timothy Enietan-Matthews

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