It was gathered that the attack on the JTF facility occurred at about 11.30pm at the Nembe waterway.
Though the motive for the attack could not be immediately ascertained, a security source told our correspondent that the hoodlums might have embarked on the mission with a view to stealing arms to perpetrate their nefarious activities on the waterways.
The incident, the latest in the series of attacks in the state’s troubled creeks, again brought to the fore the dangers faced by travellers plying the waterways.
Boat drivers and their passengers plying the waterways have repeatedly come under attacks with some losing their valuables and lives.
It was learnt that the soldiers were taken unawares by the gunmen who stormed the base in four speedboats and opened fire from two flanks (land and water).
The (hoodlums) took advantage of the dark night to launch the vicious attack and stole rifles of the slain operatives as well as two HP Guns and other arms from the base before disappearing into the mangrove creek.
“We were jolted from our sleep by the sound of heavy gunshots and, when the sound died down, we heard that some sea pirates attacked the JTF base,” a source in the area said.
The JTF spokesman, Lt. Col. Isa Ado, confirmed the attack but said it was unsuccessful as the gunmen were repelled.
Ado, however, said he could not confirm the number of casualty.
“Yes, I can confirm to you that there was an attack by some unknown gunmen on our troops in Nembe and the attack was repelled. You can recall that there have been several attempts to overrun our men in Nembe. Our men are on a hot pursuit of the hoodlums as I speak with you,” he added.
But the police authorities in Bayelsa confirmed the incident which claimed the lives of four soldiers and one policeman attached to the JTF.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Asinim Butswat, said the sea pirates carted away two guns and other arms from the base.
Tags
Crime