Troops of Operation Delta Safe on Tuesday, August 4 invaded a Pirates’ camp at Tukugbene-Ayama Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State, killing 5 militants, the Defense Headquarters has said. 

According to the statement released by the Coordinator of Defence Media Operations, Major General John Enenche, Troops of Operation Delta Safe acted on credible intelligence and monitored the movements of a suspected pirate/sea gang leader, identified as Mr Lanre who sneaked into town from Port Harcourt along with another alleged pirate identified as Ayi Abuh.  

General Enenche said the criminals engaged the Nigeria troops with heavy gunfire in 5 boats. However, the gallant troops sustained the firefight, killing 5 pirates and sinking three of the boats used for the attack.

The Defense Headquarters said it seems the targets, Lanre and Ayi Abuh, escaped during the exchange of gunfire. Items recovered include 3 AK47 rifles with a magazine, two 200 HP Yamaha outbound engines and three 115HP Yamaha outbound engines.

_{Photo credit Nigeria Defense Headquarters}

The Troops also raided the hideout of a notorious kidnapper and oil thief popularly referred to as Akalami High Chief or Sammy at his identified hideout along Mbiama East-West road. During the operation, the kingpin was killed while attempting to escape, the Defense headquarters added. 

Below is a full statement released by the Defense Headquarters 

TROOPS OF OPERATION DELTA SAFE RAID PIRATES/MILITANTS CAMP AT TUKUGBENE AYAMA IN SOUTHERN IJAW LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BAYELSA STATE

 Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE acting on actionable and credible intelligence on a suspected pirate/sea robber gang leader one Mr LANRE mounted surveillance on the suspect who came into town from Port Harcourt with one AYI ABUH also a notorious Kidnapper/pirate. Subsequently, troops conducted a raid operation of the pirates' camp at Tukugbene-Ayama ijaw LGA Bayelsa State on 4 Aug 20.

The operation was aimed at extracting both LANRE and AYI ABUH as well as other members of the gang from the community. Upon arrival at the personal jetty of the suspect, troops met heavy resistance from harassing gun fire from pirates/militants in 5 boats that approached from adjoining creek. The overwhelming fire power of own troops led to the forceful withdrawal of the pirates/militants with various degree of gunshots wounds. The gallant troops sustained the fire fight until 5 of the pirates/militants were neutralised ashore.

_{Photo Credit Nigeria Defense Headquarters}

 Furthermore, three of the attacking boats were sunk while the occupants with various degree of gunshots wounds escaped into the river. In the process, troops recovered 3 boats from the pirates. Additionally, own troops took over the jetty and advance to the objective area which was empty. It was believed that while the exchange of fire was ongoing LANRE and AYI ABUH escaped. A complete cordon and search was carried out on the building where the suspects were believed to be residing and thereafter the building was cleared. In the process, troops recovered 3 AK47 rifles with a magazine, two 200 HP Yamaha outbound engines and three 115HP Yamaha outbound engines.

 _{Photo Credit Nigeria Defense Headquarter.}

Relatedly, troops acting on credible and actionable intelligence about a notorious criminal/kidnapper and oil thief popularly known as AKALAMI High Chief AKA SAMMY. Troops swiftly mobilized to conduct raid operation at his identified hideout along Mbiama East West road. During the operation, the kingpin was neutralised while attempting to escape. Items including a locally made pistol and cartridges were recovered from the criminal. Sammy is reported to be a close ally to a notorious criminal known as VIP suspected to be one of the mastermind of the killing of 5 Battalion Soldiers around East West road.

The Military High Command congratulates the gallant troops for their dexterity and encourages them to remain resolute in curtailing the activities of pirates/militants in the Niger Delta region of the country.