The military has denied and distance itself from the report by some print and online media(not Metronetworknews) that the military fired at a cargo boat conveying people and food stuff from Port Harcourt to Bonny.
In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by the Director Defence Information, Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr, described the report as false, adding that it calls to question the credibility of the online news medium.
The statement said contrary to the report that the Air Component of the Joint Task Force Operation DELTA SAFE (OPDS) received reports from ground troops who were on clearance operations but encountered resistance at the point of encounter.
Continuing it said, ” On receiving the report a combat helicopter was dispatched to provide close air support mission along the Cawthorne Channel”.
It further said, “The helicopter encountered an illegal oil bunkerers’ boat popularly called “Cotonou Boat”. The boat which was being escorted by 2 speedboats was suspected to be carrying illegally refined oil products in large drums along the Channel in the direction of OPDS patrol boats”.
“On sighting the boat, warning shots were fired to dissuade the crew from hostile action. The crew fired back at the helicopter and the boat was engaged accordingly”.
“The 2 speedboats detached from the convoy at high speed leaving the “Cotonou Boat” which was neutralised”.
“The helicopter later went after the 2 speedboats but was unable to track it. The suspects are still at large and a manhunt has been sent out to apprehend them”, It also stated.
The statement noted that the military remains a professional institution that operates in line with best practices through the application of rule of engagement and code of conduct, adding that It is also positioned to protect the populace rather than victimizing them.
It stated that efforts by anyone to protect criminality by disparaging the actions of the Military in preventing economic sabotage and other sundry crimes need to be condemned by all.
It enjoined the general public to disregard the report and continue providing accurate information to troops that will lead to the attainment of own operational mandate of safeguarding lives, properties as well as government assets in the South South region.
