By FOLUSHO ALADE, ABUJA
Troops of Operation Delta Safe operating in the South-South zone has dislodged militant’s camps in the Niger Delta region of the country.
According to the latest report from the Defence Media Operations(DMO) of the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, 5 kidnapped expatriates were also rescued while stolen illegally refined Petroleum products was recovered.
The report contained in a Press statement signed by MAJ GEN JOHN ENENCHE, the Coordinator of the Defence Media Operations said foreign expatriates onboard MT RIO MITONG and MT DJIBLOHO who were kidnapped by unknown militants on the 9th of May 2020 were rescued by a combined team of troops from the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Army after a search and rescue operation conducted on 4 identified sea pirates/militants hideout at Ibiakafemo, Idinkiri, Tombie and Ogboma.
The statement reads in full:
“ Recall that on 9 May 2020 some foreign expatriates onboard MT RIO MITONG and MT DJIBLOHO were kidnapped by unknown militants group in Yellow Island. Acting on credible intelligence a joint team from Forward Operating Base Bonny, Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER and troops of 146 Battalion swiftly combed the creeks in search of the kidnapped victims.
“ After a thorough search and rescue operation, the gallant troops raided 4 identified sea pirates/militants hideout at Ibiakafemo, Idinkiri, Tombie and Ogboma. The identified camps were subsequently destroyed to deny the pirates freedom of action.
“ Consequently, on the early hours of 6 October 2020, the pirates/militants compelled by the ongoing operation surrendered to the gallant troops and handed over the 5 kidnapped foreign expatriates at Iwofe Waterfront. The 5 expatriates comprising 3 Russians, one Ukranian and one Equatorial Guinean are presently at NNS PATHFINDER medical centre receiving medical attention.
“ In a related development, the joint team intercepted 2 large wooden boats laden with an estimated 350,000 litres of suspected stolen illegally refined AGO and about 10,000 litres of stolen crude oil. The stolen petroleum products have been recovered to the Base.
“ The Military High Command commends the gallant troops for their resilience and encourages them to sustain the tempo against the enemies of our country. The general public is always encouraged to support the troops by providing credible intelligence that will aid the operations”, the statement concluded.
