Several Persons feared Dead as Troops Invade Militant Camp in Delta

Troops of the Operation Delta Safe invaded a militant camp at Okosugbene Creek, along Burutu-Warri River, near Burutu, Delta State, and several militants were reportedly feared dead.

According to Vanguard, the troops bombed the camp with two fighter jets and about seven gun boats for nearly an hour on Thursday.

A source said that the soldiers struck at about 6AM. While a source claimed that the camp was an abandoned hideout belonging to militant group, Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), another said that it was occupied by Sea Pirates.

Information about the casualties of yesterday’s attack was still unclear, but the raid caused tension among riverine dwellers. They ran helter-skelter at the sound of heavy gunshots.

“I heard several gunshots on Thursday morning from the community. From our findings, we discovered that the military had invaded the gathering of suspected militants, who had converged on the community in what could be likened to a militant camp,” a youth leader said.

According to a senior operative of the Department of State Security (DSS), “There were intelligence reports that suspected militants are converging on the area. Troops from the Operation Safe Delta were drafted to engage the militants and dislodge the camp located at an area known as 9000 Junction”.

Speaking on the phone to Vanguard, former chairman of Burutu community, Jonathan Ogodobiri, said: “There are no army troops within Burutu town but the entire waterways is under siege. There is a massive presence of army personnel patrolling the river as I speak with you.”