Nigerian troops avert militant attack on Agip Oil pipeline – Spokesperson

The Nigerian Army says its troops prevented militants from blowing up Agip Oil pipeline at Gulobokri, Brass Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.
The troops from 343 Artillery Regiment of 2 Brigade, 82 Division, encountered some armed militants in two speed boats in the early hours on Sunday, the army said in a press statement issued by the acting Director, Army Public Relations, Sani Usman.

The statement said the suspected vandals opened fire on the patrol team.
“The troops responded with overwhelming superior firepower, and as a result the suspected criminals sped off from the area with many of them sustaining gunshot wounds. No casualty on the patrol team.
“Unfortunately, personnel of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) attached to the team sustained gunshot wound. He has since been evacuated and he is in a stable condition.”
The statement said another troops from the same unit in 82 Division opened fire on another group of militants in three speed boats that tried to attack a “critical infrastructure” in Perigbene area.
Most of the militants, the statement said, were killed, while others sustained injuries.
“The casualty on militants cannot be ascertained as it was raining heavily and the raging storm could not allow troops to go on pursuit of the escaping criminals,” the statement said.

“A mop up operation has been organised for those militants that escaped with gunshot wounds, as they may be receiving treatment in the neighbouring communities.
“Troops would continue to intensify patrol in the general area to avert further vandalization or attacks in the area.”