A militant group known as the Bakassi Strike Force on Saturday, attacked troops in Efut Esighi waterfront in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State.
A statement by the Army’s spokesman, Co.l Sani Usman said the attack was led by the group’s wanted leader, Benjamin Simpler also known as G1.
According to the Army, one soldier was killed while two others went missing as a result of the attack.
The Army also added that two of the attackers were also killed while the others escaped.
The statement reads, “Today, at the early hours of the morning, suspected militants led by the declared wanted criminal kingpin, Benjamin Simplee, AKA G1, leader of the Bakassi Strike Force, in several speed boats attacked troops deployed at Efut Esighi waterfront in Bakassi LGA of Cross River State.
“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 have also killed 2 of the attackers while the rest escaped with gun shot wounds.
“However, the reinforcement sent have found the missing soldiers. In addition, the troops location have been reinforced with more gunboats and air component. The clearance and pursuit operation is on going.
“We would like to assure the public that this singular act would not deter us from the discharge of our duties, therefore, the perpetrators of this dastardly act would be found and brought to justice.”
The Army,however, warned all the criminal elements in the “society that intend to attack any of its locations to have a rethink.”
This is coming at a time when the Army deployed troops to the oil rich region under an exercise code named: “Operation Crocodile Smile” aimed at flushing out the criminal elements from the region.
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