The Nigerian troops operating under the code name Operation Delta Safe in the Niger Delta area of the country, on Tuesday, raided a pirate camp in the Southern Ijaw area of Bayelsa State.
According to the statement made available on Wednesday 5th August 2020, by the Coordinator Defence Media Operations
Defence Headquarters, Major General John Enenche, said the troops of Operation Delta Safe were able to achieve this successful operation, based on the credible intelligence received on a suspected pirate/sea-robber gang leader, one Mr Lanre. The troops thereafter mounted surveillance on the suspect who came into town from Port Harcourt with one Ayi Abuh also a notorious Kidnapper/pirate.
Major General John Enenche stating further, said troops conducted a raid operation of the pirates’ camp at Tukugbene-Ayama Ijaw LGA Bayelsa State on 4 Aug 2020.
Major General John Enenche added that the operation was aimed at extracting Lanre and Ayi Abuh as well as other members of the gang from the community.
“Upon arrival at the personal jetty of the suspect, troops met heavy resistance from harassing gunfire from pirates/militants in 5 boats that approached from adjoining creek.
The overwhelming firepower of own troops led to the forceful withdrawal of the pirates/militants with various degree of gunshots wounds.
The gallant troops sustained the firefight until 5 of the pirates/militants were neutralised ashore,” he said.
Major General John Enenche continued in his statement adding that three of the attacking boats were sunk while the occupants with various degrees of gunshots wounds escaped into the river.
“In the process, troops recovered 3 boats from the pirates. Additionally, own troops took over the jetty and advance to the objective area which was empty.
It was believed that while the exchange of fire was ongoing Lanre and Ayi Abuh escaped. A complete cordon and search was carried out on the building where the suspects were believed to be residing and thereafter the building was cleared.
In the process, troops recovered 3 AK47 rifles with a magazine, two 200 HP Yamaha outbound engines and three 115HP Yamaha outbound engines.