Army to flush out Bakassi militants -Commander

millitants

The Nigerian Army has reiterated its resolve to flush out militants from the creeks of Bakassi and Akpabuyo local government areas of Cross River.

The Commander of 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Calabar,Brig.-Gen. Bulama Biu, said this on Thursday.

Biu said that the army had re-strategized on its operation with a view to curtailing all the activities of the militants in the creeks.

He said that the Army was aware of some criminal activities in the creeks, especially the `Bakassi Strike Force’ and other militants groups disturbing the peace of residents in the area.

“There are no rooms for criminals; whether they call themselves militants or whatever structure or organisation they belong to, once you are a criminal, we will flush you out.

“We have been following and smoking them out; but for now, the creeks are safe and I must also say that it can be unpredictable.

“On Sept. 30, my soldiers repelled an attack in Bakassi by killing seven armed militants that were led by the most wanted militant leader, Benjamin Ene, who is popularly known as `G1’.

“The militants suffered great casualties; we were told a few days later that additional two militants died in the bush due to the massive injury my men inflicted on them.

“We have burnt down their shrines and the hide out; very soon we will arrest `G1’ who is still at large,’’ he said.

The Commander said the Army had already arrested other militant leaders known as `G2’ and `G3’.

He said that the Command was collaborating with other security agencies with a view to providing peace and security for tourists and residents of the state.

Biu said that the collaboration had helped in resolving communal clashes in some communities in the state.

He said `Operation Crocodile Smile’ that was launched in the state by the Chief of Amy Staff; Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, had impacted amphibious skills on the soldiers.

The Commander, who described the exercise as an `eye opener’, said that the objective had been realized.

He said that it had afforded troops the opportunity of practicing in amphibious operation.

“Troops have practiced the protection of national critical infrastructure; they have practiced their response time to emergencies and the drills that are involved therein’’, Biu said.