In the early hours of Sunday morning, troops of 343 Artillery Regiment of 2 Brigade, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, were able to thwart possible pipeline attack while carrying out patrol within the general area of Gulobokri and Eweleso, around Brass area in Bayelsa State.
According to Col Sani Kukasheka Usman, Acting Director Army Public Reltaions, during the exercise, the patrol team had an encounter with some armed militants in two speed boats with intent to blow up Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) pipeline at Gulobokri.
Unfortunately, a 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.
Meanwhile, in a related development, another patrol team of the same unit of 82 Division Nigerian Army, on patrol to Perigbene House Boat (HB) also encountered three speed boats suspected to be containing militants about to attack another critical infrastructure in the area. The troops opened fire on them, killing most of them and injuring others.
However according to the Army spokesman, the casualties suffered by militants could not be ascertained as it was raining heavily and the raging storm did not allow troops to pursue the escaping criminals.
“A mop up operation has been organised for those militants that escaped with gunshot wounds and injuries as they may be receiving treatment in the neighbouring communities.
“With this development, troops would continue to intensify patrol in the general area to avert further vandalization or attacks in the area,” the statement added.
