Amaechi Okonkwo, Port Harcourt
The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt has announced the killing of a notorious cultist and illegal oil bunkering kingpin, Korobe Menele Loveday who has been on the wanted list of the security agencies for terrorizing communities in the state.
It was reported on Sunday afternoon the troops of the Division and some officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) invaded Gio, a community in Ogoniland to avenge the killing of one soldier and two NSCDC by illegal oil bunkers at an oil facility in the community.
According to the Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Aminu Iliyasu, the incidence happened when troops of 29 Battalion of 6 Division Nigerian Army (NA) in conjunction with personnel of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) engaged some illegal oil bunkerers in the community in a gun duel.
In a release by Iliyasu, the troops guarding Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Trans National Pipelines at Gio community in Tai Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State “were attacked by suspected militants who were hitherto prevented from vandalizing 24″ and 28″ TNP thereby putting them out of the illicit business”.
The statement reads in part: “Unfortunately, during the ensuing firefight, one soldier and 2 personnel of the NSCDC lost their lives and their weapons (one AK 47 and 2 G3 rifles) were carted away by the assailants.
The statement further stated that an immediate reinforcement by troops at the location led to the cordon and search of the area with the view to finding any criminal believed to be harbouring within the communities.
“Reliable intelligence led to the tracking of the prime suspect, a notorious cultist and illegal oil bunkering kingpin, Korobe Menele Loveday who has been on the wanted list of the security agencies for terrorizing communities in the state.”It was stated that the troops cashing on available information sighted a white Toyota Hilux vehicle without a number plate, hastily driven with four occupants in it. Adding that efforts by the troops to stop the vehicle at the checkpoint were ignored. “The gallant troops chased the speeding vehicle and caught up with the suspects around Kira Junction, along Ken Saro Wiwa Polytechnic.
“Sensing danger, the occupants opened fire at the troops in a bid to escape. Troops reacted and incapacitated the militants’ vehicle. As a result, the bandits abandoned their vehicle and fled to the bush. However, one of the criminals was gunned down and was identified as the wanted notorious cultists and illegal oil bunkering kingpin Korobe Menele – popularly known as MENE. Others with him believed to escape with gunshot wounds – leaving trails of blood”.
“Some of the items recovered at the scene and in the vehicle included 1 x K2 Rifle, 2 x Magazines loaded with 52 Rounds of 5.56mm, some personal effects, one pair of vehicle plate number KRK 95DP RIVERS and some documents.”
The statement added that the body and other recovered exhibits have been handed over to the NSCDC Rivers State Command for further action, while troops continue to track the remaining fleeing bandits to face justice.
“The General Officer Commanding 6 Division Maj Gen Jamil Sarham use this opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of the Division in protecting lives and properties of law-abiding citizens in Rivers state. He also solicits the cooperation of all stakeholders in tackling insecurity within the Niger Delta region through sharing of credible information to the security agencies”, the statement.
Be the first to know when we publish an update
