The Nigerian military has announced the killing of a soldier and a civilian by militants in Bayelsa State.
The Joint Military Force deployed to the region confirmed the deaths on Friday.
Major Ibrahim Abdullahi, the Spokesman of the Joint Force, told newsmen in Yenagoa that the attack on the troops took place at Letugbene community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
He said: “This is to put to rest exaggerated speculations on an incident involving our troops and suspected militants on Monday, 28th August, 2017 around 200 hrs near Letugbene community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa.
“During the fire-fight, one gallant soldier and a civilian staff attached to the military houseboat paid the supreme price for defending fatherland as against reports of four soldiers killed.
“A rescue team supported by gunboats was immediately dispatched to the area and they were able to locate and support two other soldiers who engaged the militants.”
Abdullahi said a manhunt had been launched to fish out the perpetrators of the act, some of who fled into neighbouring communities.
He said the ongoing operation was within the rules of military engagement in line with best practices, assuring that innocent residents had nothing to fear.
He said: “Operation Delta Safe and indeed the Nigerian Military do not carry out reprisal attacks on innocent citizens as alleged in some quarters.
“Members of the public, especially those resident in areas where operations are being conducted, are hereby advised to go about their normal lawful duties at this time of Sallah break and celebration.”
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