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Tag: Operation Delta Safe

  • Army kills 2, repels attack by Niger Delta Avengers

    Army kills 2, repels attack by Niger Delta Avengers

    The Joint Military Force deployed to the Niger Delta, Operation Delta Safe says it successfully repelled an attack by Niger Delta Avengers at a gas facility in Delta and killed two pirates in ongoing operations in the region.

    A statement by Lt-Col. Olaolu Daudu, Spokesman of the Joint Force made this known in Bayelsa on Tuesday.

    Daudu said that the operations were carried out between Saturday and Tuesday.

    “Troops deployed at Delta State while on watch at the Nigeria Gas Company Outpost in Batan/Egwa Area of Warri South West Local Government of Delta encountered suspected militants who claimed to be members of Niger Delta Avengers.

    “They came in two 200 Horsepower Speed capacity boats but were subsequently engaged and repelled. Effort is ongoing to apprehend the criminals.

    “Troops also rescued a Passenger boat from sea robbers at Idoro River in Ozobo Community, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State.

    “While trying to escape, the sea robbers’ boat collided with that of the passenger boat and capsized.

    “Four of the suspected sea robbers were arrested, however, four locally made double barrel guns belonging to the suspects fell into the river.

    “Efforts are ongoing to recover the guns while suspects are in custody for further investigation. They are presently in custody for further investigation,” Daudu stated.

    He also said that troops on patrol at Asugbo Tibigbene and Beneth River Warri South Local Government Area impounded a wooden boat carrying 53 drums of illegally refined substance at Asugbo.

    Also, troops while on clearance operation at Yorkiri, Obotobo, Chamomi Creek Okerenkoko and Open river arrested a Cotonou boat conveying Jerrycans for possible loading of substance.

    The Spokesman said that in another development troops arrested a 21-year-old man Usman Jafar, an indigene of Adamawa State, who had  been parading himself as a serving soldier.

    The suspect allegedly robbed  Atima Aghogho along Ajanuga Road and the following items were also recovered from him, one fake Nigerian Army Identity Card, one First Bank of Nigeria ATM Card and an iphone belonging to one of his victims.

    “Following a tip-off, troops in conjunction with members of Petroleum Task Force conducted a raid at Ifieporo community in Warri South Local Government and discovered an area used or storage of stolen petroleum products

    “Other items discovered are several rubber drums and Jerricans containing substance suspected to be illegal oil bunkering mats.

    “Troops also recovered a black coloured Audi vehicle loaded with several waterproof bags containing substance suspected to be products of illegal bunkering.

    “Following another tip off troops discovered four identified hideouts used for storing substance suspected to be illegally refined Automated Gas Oil around Ohoro junction, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.

    “No arrests were made while troops are on the trail of the perpetrators,” Daudu stated.

    Daudu also said that on Tuesday the troops arrested one suspected bugler while on a routine check with N136,000 cash, one Ifinix Note II handset, one venue handset.

    He said the items and the suspect would be handed over to the Nigeria Police.

    “Troops at Batan reported a loud sound suspected to be an explosion.

    “Further findings revealed that a Barge carrying equipment used for the repairs of the Trans Forcados Pipeline at the repair site in Eweregbene community was blown by suspected Niger Delta Avengers militants who retreated after troops repelled the attack.

    “However, 2 un-exploded dynamites were found at the scene on a branch and swamp buggy were successfully detonated by troops.,” Daudu stated.

  • Delta: Militants attack same facility twice in six days

    Delta: Militants attack same facility twice in six days

    The Trans-Forcados Export trunk line in the Batan fields, Warri South-West council area of Delta state, has been attacked again, less than one week after a similar incident.

    Tuesday’s attack was however a failed attempt as the explosive planted on the trunk-line, which was believed to be the main target of the operation, failed to go off. The explosive planted on a barge within the area went off, creating a loud explosion.

    The Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) -operated oil facility was earlier attacked last week Wednesday, November 2, few hours after leaders and other stakeholders of the oil-rich Niger Delta region met with President Muhammadu Buhari, to discuss ways to peace and development of the region.

    However, the attack in the early hours of yesterday, which was yet to be claimed by any group or individual as at the time of filing this report, reportedly occurred at about 1 am and almost claimed the lives of the community surveillance team, which was detailed to watch over the facilities.

    According to the chairman of Batan Community, Dickson Ogugu, the invaders of the facility, on getting to the site of the facility, opened fire on the community surveillance team, chasing them out of the area before settling down to plant explosives on a couple of facilities in the area.

    “The line which was undergoing repair after the previous attack on November 2 was billed for commissioning either today or tomorrow. Though the surveillance team narrowly escaped the attack after they were shot at, the hoodlums after chasing them from the spot came down from their speedboats, planted dynamites on swamp boogie, barge, crane and on the line.

    “Unfortunately, the dynamite on the barge exploded and immediately sank into the water. As I speak to you, the military are at the scene of the incident trying to dismantle the other dynamites”, Ogugu said.

    Also confirming the incident, a security source said “we heard the shots in the middle of the night, but as you know, we do not patrol the area at night, so there was nothing we could do”.

    Efforts to get an official confirmation and details on the development were yet unfruitful as at the time of filing this report.

    While both the Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, Commodore Joseph Dzunve, and the Commander of the Sector 1, Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Delta Safe (ODS), Colonel Alhassan Grema, were unreachable through their mobile telephones yesterday, the spokesman of the ODS, Lieutenant Colonel Olaolu Daudu, requested for one hour to get back.

    When called back after an hour, the ODS spokesman could not be reached.

  • Navy parades arrested avengers leader in Warri

    A suspected leader of the notorious militant group, the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), was on Thursday paraded by the Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, as part of the activities of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Delta Safe (ODS), in Warri.
    Commander of the NNS Delta, Commodore Joseph Dzunve, while parading the suspect, who identified himself as Abraham Suru, also known as Gabon, said the arrested suspect is a gang leader in the ranks of the NDA, adding that he had been notorious for other forms of criminal activities, including pipeline vandalism, sea robbery and oil theft.

    According to Dzunve, Gabon, who had earlier been mentioned by some suspects arrested in the past as a leader in the cell of vandals destroying oil pipelines in the Warri North council area of the state, was arrested on Tuesday, September 20, in the Sapele general area.

    ”As part of the ongoing efforts by the federal government to stop crude oil theft and illegal bunkering activities in the nation’s maritime domain, the Nigerian Navy Ship Delta, being part of Operation Delta Safe, has arrested a notorious gang leader, who has been in this criminal business since 2011. He is involved in pipeline vandalism, sea robbery, attacks on ships, illegal bunkering and currently a suspected member of the Niger Delta Avengers.

    ”The Nigerian Navy in general, and the NNS Delta in particular, is not relenting in the fight against crude oil theft and other illegal activities such as sea robberies, attacks on shipping and the Niger Delta Avengers. The Nigerian Navy remains committed in apprehending those behind all forms of criminal activities in the Nigerian maritime domain”, the naval boss said.

    Meanwhile, while responding to questions, the suspect said he was not a member of the NDA, but confirmed that he had been involved in attacks on pipelines in the region, adding that he was recruited by one late ‘General’ Alpha Polo because he was deemed capable for the jobs.

    ”Let me talk for you to understand me, Alpha Polo said as his community, Opia community in Dibi, has oil and the youths were not being recognised, he decided that we should bomb some pipe so that he would be recognised by the company and give us work.

    ”Me and Alpha Polo bombed two pipes in Dibi in 2011. But he died earlier this year and I have not been going for operations since then, but this man called General Felix and one Stanley Osiso have been doing it. General Felix used me to work. They call me Gabon”, the suspect told journalists.

  • Boko Haram food seller arrested in Yobe

    Boko Haram food seller arrested in Yobe

    …..As army nabs former Niger Delta militant leader

     

    A man suspected to be one of the food sellers to the dreaded extremist group Boko Haram and who has been on the Nigerian military wanted list number 105 has been arrested by a detachment of Army troops and local vigilantes in Azare community, Gujba local government area of Yobe state.

    Muhammed Bulama described as a dangerous insurgent has been on the wanted list of the military for many months before his eventual arrest on Tuesday September 6, 2016. Arrested alongside Bulama were two other suspects named Ardo Abba Muhammed ( who claimed to be an elder brother to Bulama) and Muhammadu Kaigama.

    The three suspects were arrested while riding on horseback and bicycle as they made their way to the market to sell some sheep for the extremist group.

    According to the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, Bulama personally identified his photograph in the wanted list and confessed that he specialized in rearing animals for the terrorist group.

    Usman said the three suspects also confessed they came to Azare community to sell the animals after the group ran out of cash in their camp and were also meant to procure some food items for the upcoming Sallah festivity.

    Also on Tuesday, troops of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army arrested a suspected national economy saboteur and alleged leader of the “Otugas Fire Force” militant group, Mr. Gabriel Ogbudje.

    He was arrested with an accomplice named Elvis Dweller Ejus. The group had allegedly threatened to attack the Utorogu Gas Plant and is alleged to be responsible for the blowing of NPDC/Shoreline major delivery trunk line within Ogo-Oteri general area on the 26th of August 2016.

    The suspected militant was arrested along Agbor-Abraka road, Edo State while he was trailed by the troops. He has been on the run since he was declared wanted because of his public declaration as the leader of the militant group “Otugas Fire Force”.

    Ogbudje had made media headlines when he declared his operation code named “Crocodile Tears”, an metaphor to the Army’s ongoing military exercise nicknamed “Operation Crocodile Smile”.

    Col Usman said both suspects have been handed over to Operation DELTA SAFE for further interrogation and subsequent handing over to the relevant security agency for prosecutions.

    Also troops of 13 Brigade Nigerian Army in conjunction with Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Air Force and covert operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency, arrested a suspected kingpin of the Niger Delta Avengers, Isaac Romeo that goes by the appellation of “G2” in their terrorists camp.

    He was arrested along with two other persons; Mr. Lawson Samson and an elderly man, Mr. Iyang Ekpo in Calabar, Cross State while driving in a vehicle with  registration number, CRS 86 AO1 on Saturday, 3rd September 2016.

    The Army spokesman said the arrest followed painstaking efforts and tracking   of the militant who was in the state to perpetrate further criminal activities of sabotaging critical infrastructures.

  • Military launches offensives against militants

    … Confirms killing of soldiers

    The Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Delta Safe (ODS), on Monday said it would henceforth go on the offensive to fish out militants operating in the creeks of the Niger Delta.

    The JTF in a statement signed by the acting Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre (JMCC), Lt. Col. A. Ahmed, also confirmed that some suspected gunmen believed to be militants attacked 343 Artillery Regiment, a detachment of ODS, at Nembe jetty.

    The statement said: “Some suspected gunmen believed to be militants at about 10:00am on August 8, 2016 attacked 343 Artillery Regiment, a detachment of Operation Delta S, deployed at Nembe Jetty in Bayelsa State.

    “During the incident, three soldiers lost their lives. The Commander of Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Joseph Okojie, has consequently deployed reinforcement team to apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous crime.

    “He further warned that henceforth, Operation Delta Safe will go on offensive to fish out all criminals in the region.

    “It should be noted that the attack by militants is as a result of the ongoing operations of the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, aimed at flushing out all forms of criminality especially pipeline vandalism and destruction of illegal refinery within the region.

    “The Command wishes to assure law abiding public particularly the Nembe Community that Operation Delta Safe is mandated to ensure conducive and safe water ways for legitimate businesses in the Joint Operation Areas.”

     

     

  • ‘Operation Delta Safe’ formally takes off

    ‘Operation Delta Safe’ formally takes off

    Tough time awaits Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) and other militants in the Niger Delta region following take-off of a new military outfit, Operation Delta Safe (ODS) in the region at the weekend.

    A naval commander, Rear Admiral Joseph Okojie, took over the operations of the ODS as pioneer commander at the outfit’s headquarters in Igbogene, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

    Prior to his new assignment, Okojie was the Flag Officer, Commanding, Naval Training Command, Apapa Lagos.

    Okojie took over from the Commander of the defunct Joint Military Task Force (JTF), Operation Pulo Shield (OPS), Major-General Alani Okunlola, who was moved to the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.

    The Defence Headquarters recently scrapped the OPS as part of the federal government’s efforts to safeguard oil facilities and ensure improved security in the region.

    The Acting Director, Defence Information, Brig. Gen.Rabe Abubakar,said that the OPS was replaced with ODS to deal with the new threats arising from the region.

    Yesterday, the OPS flag was lowered and the ODS flag hoisted signaling the resumption of a new operation under a new outfit.

    In his remarks, Okunlola said during his stint as the OPS commander, the defunct OPS recorded a number of achievements.

    “We came, we saw, we conquered. Nigeria expects everybody to do their duties and I have done mine in the Niger Delta,” Okunlola said.

    He said the challenges in the region were numerous, pointing to the Niger Delta terrain and threat to security in the region.

    He said:  “The terrain of the region itself is a challenge. It is a very difficult challenge and of course you know all the threats to security in the environment which we have been contending with.

    “And of course, you know logistics can never be enough but the federal government has done enough to support us and with the support we had, we were able to achieve the milestones we achieved.

    “One of the biggest achievements is that we arrested a number of vessels, big vessels that were involved in illegal bunkering, we busted some kidnap cases.

    “We destroyed numerous illegal refining spots. We were able to an extent curtail illegal oil bunkering and illegal oil refineries.”

    He urged Nigerians to pray for the repose of the souls of soldiers who died in various operations in the region.

    Okunlola described Okojie as a very seasoned military officer saying he was once his boss.

    He said: “Okojie is my boss because I have worked with him before.

    “I know the stuff he is made of and I know that with somebody like him at the helm, the operation will move forward.”

    Okojie said his leadership would plug into where Okunlola stopped to ensure seamless operations in the Niger Delta.

    He vowed that in line with the mandate of the Operation Delta Safe, he and his colleagues would rout criminalities in the region.