•Massive movements of arms in creeks
Militants are regrouping in the creeks of the Niger Delta, especially in the mangrove forest of Bayelsa State, it was learnt yesterday.
There are supremacy battles and scrambling for operational territories among leaders of the emerging militant groups.
It was gathered that the scrambling triggered a bloody clash between two groups operating at the Gbarain area of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
A security source said members of the groups engaged in a fierce battle that lasted for many hours.
Assorted weapons, including AK47 rifles, were reportedly used in the ‘warfare’, which unsettled communities around the area.
Gunshots were said to have created panic among residents, who fled the area temporarily.
After the battle, three militants were reportedly killed by the rival camp.
“The leader of one of the camps is very notorious. He is known in the creeks but we are keeping his name under wraps. It was a fierce battle caused by sharing of territory.
“The notorious leader accused his counterpart of trespassing into his territory. The development led to the war. Three militants were killed. Many others were injured,” the source said.
He raised the alarm over massive movements of arms in the creeks.
“There are many arms with people here but we don’t know what they intend to do with them. We are still studying the reason behind the proliferation of arms. All is not well in the creeks”, he said.
Scores of gunmen last week laid siege to Zion community in the same local government.
The hoodlums, who came on speedboats, overran the community, shooting sporadically in a siege that lasted two days.
A chief was injured during the attack by the gunmen suspected have come from neighbouring Ekene community.
The gunmen barricaded the waterways and attacked two passenger boats.
They carted away many valuables and dispossessed the passengers of about N1million in cash.
A communication technician was abducted by the bandits.
The source insisted that arms were being stockpiled in the creeks by unknown militant groups in the region.
“They have started setting up camps. In fact, there are many active militant camps in the region. Some have been in existence even after the amnesty granted to ex-militants.
“Others are coming up newly in such a way that signifies the beginning of a fresh arms struggle in the region. It is difficult to mop up these arms because of the nature and terrain of the region.
“Sometimes, these militants have their armouries inside the water. They dive into the water to get them and dive again to store them after using them. So, it is difficult,” he said.
Commissioner of Police Hilary Opara said he was yet to receive briefs from divisional police officers.
“We are sanitising the state by mopping up arms. We do it daily and the arms we have recovered are with us,” he said.
The Media Coordinator, Joint Task Force, Operation Pulo Shield, Lt. Col. Mustapha Anka, said he had not been briefed.
The Nations
Militants are regrouping in the creeks of the Niger Delta, especially in the mangrove forest of Bayelsa State, it was learnt yesterday.
There are supremacy battles and scrambling for operational territories among leaders of the emerging militant groups.
It was gathered that the scrambling triggered a bloody clash between two groups operating at the Gbarain area of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
A security source said members of the groups engaged in a fierce battle that lasted for many hours.
Assorted weapons, including AK47 rifles, were reportedly used in the ‘warfare’, which unsettled communities around the area.
Gunshots were said to have created panic among residents, who fled the area temporarily.
After the battle, three militants were reportedly killed by the rival camp.
“The leader of one of the camps is very notorious. He is known in the creeks but we are keeping his name under wraps. It was a fierce battle caused by sharing of territory.
“The notorious leader accused his counterpart of trespassing into his territory. The development led to the war. Three militants were killed. Many others were injured,” the source said.
He raised the alarm over massive movements of arms in the creeks.
“There are many arms with people here but we don’t know what they intend to do with them. We are still studying the reason behind the proliferation of arms. All is not well in the creeks”, he said.
Scores of gunmen last week laid siege to Zion community in the same local government.
The hoodlums, who came on speedboats, overran the community, shooting sporadically in a siege that lasted two days.
A chief was injured during the attack by the gunmen suspected have come from neighbouring Ekene community.
The gunmen barricaded the waterways and attacked two passenger boats.
They carted away many valuables and dispossessed the passengers of about N1million in cash.
A communication technician was abducted by the bandits.
The source insisted that arms were being stockpiled in the creeks by unknown militant groups in the region.
“They have started setting up camps. In fact, there are many active militant camps in the region. Some have been in existence even after the amnesty granted to ex-militants.
“Others are coming up newly in such a way that signifies the beginning of a fresh arms struggle in the region. It is difficult to mop up these arms because of the nature and terrain of the region.
“Sometimes, these militants have their armouries inside the water. They dive into the water to get them and dive again to store them after using them. So, it is difficult,” he said.
Commissioner of Police Hilary Opara said he was yet to receive briefs from divisional police officers.
“We are sanitising the state by mopping up arms. We do it daily and the arms we have recovered are with us,” he said.
The Media Coordinator, Joint Task Force, Operation Pulo Shield, Lt. Col. Mustapha Anka, said he had not been briefed.
The Nations
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