The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has denied the allegation that military fired at a cargo boat conveying people and food stuff from Port Harcourt to Bonny.
According to the Director Defence Information, Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr, the report is false and calls to question the credibility of the online news medium.
Sawyerr said contrary to the report, 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.
He said on receiving the report a combat helicopter was dispatched to provide close air support mission along the Cawthorne Channel.
Sawyerr said the helicopter encountered an illegal oil bunkerers’ boat popularly called “Cotonou Boat”. He said the boat which was being escorted by two 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 two speedboats detached from the convoy at high speed leaving the “Cotonou Boat” which was neutralised. The helicopter later went after the two speedboats but was unable to track it.
“The suspects are still at large and a manhunt has been sent out to apprehend them,” Sawyerr added.
He said the military remains a professional institution that operates in line with best practices through the application of rule of engagement and code of conduct.
“It is also positioned to protect the populace rather than victimising them. 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,” Sawyerr said.
He enjoined the general public to disregard the report and continue providing accurate information to troops that will lead to the attainment of operational mandate of safeguarding lives, properties as well as government assets in the South South region.
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