Troops of the Joint Military Task Force named Operation Pulo Shield have recovered 14 AK 47 riffles from gunmen suspected to be militants and pirates operating in Bayelsa and Delta states.
The troops also killed one of the suspected pirates whose gang engaged them in a gun duel at Idema community in Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.
Confirming the incidents, the Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre (JMCC), Col. Isa Ado said troops of Sector 2 were conducting cordon and search operation on April 9 when they encountered the gunmen.
“The pirates engaged the troop in a gun battle before they were overpowered by the superior firepower of the troops which led to the death of one of the gunmen while others escaped with gunshot injuries.
“One AK 47 rifle and two loaded magazines were recovered from the bandits along with nine mobile GSM telephones and three walkie talkies. Four suspects were also arrested during the operation,” he said.
Ado said the troops of Sector 2 also conducted raid operation at suspected militant camps in Gbarain community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State and recovered three AK 47 automatic rifles.
He named other items recovered from the camps as Magnum Double Barrel Gun, 273 round of 7.62mm Special, seven empty magazines of AK 47 rifle, one empty magazine of FN rifle and nine packs of explosives suspected to be dynamites.
He said operatives of Sector 1 following a tip-off arrested Thankgod Michael, Umukoro Austin and Frank Jemedake in connection with a bag containing four pieces of AK 47 rifle in Kokori Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State.
He said, “Following one of the suspect’s confessions that the weapon used by the gang is in the house of one of the member, Mr Oruno, a search was conducted at his residence where six pieces of AK 47 magazines loaded with 36 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and a bag containing coins of both local and foreign currencies were found.
“During the search, Francis Akpovwovwo, Festus Ochiko and Emmanuel Ofuoma were arrested in the apartment. The arrested suspects and exhibits are in custody of Operation Pulo Shield for preliminary investigation before further action by prosecuting agencies”.
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