The Nigerian army has said that suspected militants in several speed boats attacked troops deployed at Efut Esighi waterfront in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Army spokesman, Sani Usman, said the attack occurred in the early hours of Saturday and was led by Benjamin Simplee, also known as G1, a wanted criminal kingpin and leader of the Bakassi Strike Force.
“During the attack, a soldier was killed in action, while 2 soldiers were missing in action. They also burnt a buffalo pickup vehicle.
“The troops also killed 2 of the attackers while the rest escaped with gunshot wounds,” Usman stated.
READ ALSO:
- Saraki’s Trial Stalled Again
- Chief Justice, Other Judicial Officers Earn N33.47 Billion In One Year
- Assets Sale Is To Fund 2016 Budget – Udoma
- FRSC Insists On October Deadline For Speed Limit Devices
- Militants Break Ceasefire, Bomb Bonny Pipeline
- Former Governor Of Adamawa, Others Remanded In Prison
- Borno Govt Says Bama Will Be Ready In Two Weeks
- Jibrin Doubts Fair Hearing Before House Ethics Committee
- EFCC Arrests Own Personnel Over N15 Million Bribe
- Yahoo Describes Hacking Of 500 Million Accounts As “Critical”
He added that a reinforcement group sent to the area had found the missing soldiers.
“In addition, the troops’ location has been reinforced with more gunboats and air component. The clearance and pursuit operation is ongoing,” he added.
The army said the attack would not deter it from the discharge of its duties, assuring that “the perpetrators of this dastardly act would be found and brought to justice.”
“The Nigerian Army wishes to send an unequivocal warning to all the criminal elements in the society that intend to attack any of its locations to have a rethink,” Usman concluded.