Niger Delta peace moves in jeopardy as Bakassi Strike Force kills one soldier in attack

A Niger Delta militant group operating in Cross Rivers State, Bakassi Strike Force, has attacked troops deployed at Efut Esighi waterfront in Bakassi Local Government area of the state.

The group, led by a wanted militant kigpin, Benjamin Simplee, also known as G1, reportedly attacked the troops in the early hours of Saturday in several speed boats.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Usman, adding that a soldier was killed in the course of the attack, two went missing in action and a buffalo pick up van belonging to the Army burnt.

Read also: Unhappy with military activities in N’Delta, Avengers blow up Bonny export line

Usman however said the troops were able to kill two of the militants while others escaped with gun shot wounds.

The Army spokesman said: “The reinforcement sent have found the missing soldiers. In addition, the troops location have been reinforced with more gunboats and air component. The clearance and pursuit operation is on going.

“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.”

By Timothy Enietan-Matthews….

RipplesNigeria …without borders, without fears

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now