JTF kills 6 pirates in gun duel in Bayelsa

Posted by admin Armed Forces, Bayelsa, Headlines, Niger Delta, State News Monday, June 25th, 2012

THE efforts of the Joint Task Force (JTF) codenamed “Operation Pulo Shield” in the Niger Delta to rid the region’s waterways of criminal elements paid off on Saturday as operatives of the special security force killed six suspected pirates in a gun battle that lasted for one and a half hours in Bayelsa State.

Nigerian Tribune authoritatively gathered that the sea pirates, who had been terrorising passengers and businessmen plying the waterways of the state and residents of some coastal communities had maimed and killed several people in the recent past, while others had been dispossessed of their valuables during their brisk and deadly operations.

A credible source informed the Nigerian Tribune that the suspected sea pirates met their waterloo on Saturday evening when they opened fire on operatives of the JTF, who were on routine patrol along Agge creeks and waterway in Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state.

The seven-man pirate gang, the source hinted, had some weeks back unleashed violence and terror on inhabitants of creeks in Agge and Aghoro, creating panic among villagers.

Confirming the killing in a statement issued by JTF media coordinator, Lieutenant-Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu, on Sunday, the JTF contended that it would step up its operations against activities of sea pirates, oil thieves and other economic saboteurs, threatening the peace of the Niger Delta.

-Vanguardwp_posts