The Nigerian Army in a statement released by the Ag. Director, Army Public Relations, Sani Usman said its troops from 343 Artillery Regiment of 2 Brigade, 82 Division, prevented militants from blowing up Agip Oil pipeline at Gulobokri, Brass Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.
The statement said the suspected vandals opened fire on the patrol team.
“The troops responded with overwhelming superior firepower, and as a result the suspected criminals sped off from the area with many of them sustaining gunshot wounds. No casualty on the patrol team.
“Unfortunately, personnel of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) attached to the team sustained gunshot wound. He has since been evacuated and he is in a stable condition.”
The statement said another troops from the same unit in 82 Division opened fire on another group of militants in three speed boats that tried to attack a “critical infrastructure” in Perigbene area.
The statement further added that, most of the militants were killed or sustained injuries from gun shots.
“The casualty on militants cannot be ascertained as it was raining heavily and the raging storm could not allow troops to go on pursuit of the escaping criminals,”
“A mop up operation has been organised for those militants that escaped with gunshot wounds, as they may be receiving treatment in the neighbouring communities.
“Troops would continue to intensify patrol in the general area to avert further vandalization or attacks in the area.”