Military Bans Fish-Smuggling In North-East, Patrols Waterways In Niger Delta
It has been observed that following the reopening of Maiduguri -Monguno -Baga Road, the illicit act of fish smuggling has been on the increase. Unfortunately most of the fish or its proceeds end up in the hands of Boko Haram insurgents, thus providing logistics replenishment for the insurgents.
In view of this untoward development, the Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole wishes to remind the general public that the ban on transportation of fish in commercial quantity along the aforementioned route is still very much in force and defaulters will be arrested and sanctioned. Only subsistence fishing for inhabitants’ consumption is permitted.
Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu Deputy Director Army Public Relations Military Theatre Command Troops Patrol Waterways in Niger-Delta Early this week at 8.45pm on sunday 30 April 2017, our troops on special operations repelled a deliberate preemptive attack at Ajakpa community of Ese Odo Local Government of Ondo State.
During the duel, the kingpin Ossy Ibori , notorious criminal was killed among his other gang members by the military.
Following that successful operation, our troops carried out a raid operation to clear remnants of miscreants/militant camps, shrines and hideouts used as safe haven were cleared.
It is believed that they are proceeds of criminality. Meanwhile, arrests were made and some quantities of items of munitions were recovered.
It was believed that remaining militants fled when their leader was killed in action. But we will continue to maintain our presence in the general area in order to deter and apprehend all unrepentant criminals terrorising the peace loving people of the communities.
Our troops have successfully unblocked AJAKPA – BOLOWO waterway which has been blocked by Ossy Ibori gang for the past 4 months.
It os now cleared and opened for free flow of water navigation by the general public. Our troops will continue to patrol all waterways in the Niger Delta include southern Ondo where militants are currently terrorising the general public, to ensure there is no hinderance of any form to public peace.
I would like to use this opportunity to condole the families of our fallen heroes, who pay the supreme price in the course of maintaining peace and security in this operation.
They were dedicated, gallant laden with vigour and determination to protect their fatherland.
I assure you that their sacrifice will never be in vain. Let me use this opportunity to also commend the general public especially non-violent youth of Niger Delta and the press for all the support given to us in achieving our mandate.
Which remains ” To Protect Oil and Gas Infrastructure and Deter/Prevent Militancy, Sea Robbery, Crude Oil Theft and Other forms of Criminality within Joint Area of Operation.”