A dreaded cultist in Rivers State, popularly called Mene has been shot dead by Security Agencies following the death of one soldier and 2 persons of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ogoniland.
Colonel Aminu Iliyasu, the Deputy Director Army Public Relations, in a press release said that in the early hours of Sunday June 6, 2019. Army troops of 29 Battalion of 6 Division of the Nigerian shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Trans National Pipelines at Gio Community in Tai local government area of Rivers State were attacked by suspected militants who were hitherto prevented from vandalizing 24” and 28” TNP thereby putting them out of the illicit business.
Unfortunately, during the ensuing fire, the security officers personnel’s lost their lives of which their weapons were carted away by the assailants.
He said that an immediate reinforcement by troops of the location led to the cordon and search of the general area with the view to finding any criminal believed to be harbouring within the communities.
According to Col. Aminu Iliyasu, a reliable intelligence led to the tracking of the prime suspect, a notorious cultist and illegal oil bunkering kingpin called Korobe Menele Loveday who has been on the wanted list of the security agencies for terrorizing communities in the state.
He said that about 9am, the troops cashing on available information sighted a white Toyota Hilux vehicle without plate number, hastily driven with 4 occupants saying efforts to stop the vehicle by troops at a check point was ignored. The gallant troops immediately chased the speeding vehicle and caught up with the suspects around Kira Junction, along Ken Saro Wiwa Polytechnic.
Sensing danger, the occupants opened fire at the troops in a bid to escape. The troops reacted and incapacitated the militants vehicle. As a result, the bandits abandoned their vehicle and fled to the bush.
However, one of the criminals was gunned down and was identified as the wanted cultist called Mene. While others with him, believed to have escape with gunshot wounds leaving trails of blood.
Col. Iliyasu also said that the following items were recovered from the scene and in the vehicle, 1 X K2 Rifle, 2 X magazines loaded with 52 rounds of 5.56mm, some personal effects, one pair of vehicle plate number KRK 95 DP Rivers and some documents.
Meanwhile, the Army stated that the body and other recovered exhibits have been handed over to the NSCDC Rivers State Command for further action, while troops continue to track the remaining fleeing bandit to face justice.
The officer commanding 6 Division, Major General Jamil Sarham used the opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of the Division in protecting lives and properties of law abiding citizens in Rivers State. He also solicited the cooperation of all stakeholders in tackling insecurity within the Niger Delta region through sharing of credible information to the security agencies.
