Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Bayelsa State, was weekend killed in a gun duel with suspected militants operating in the area. The civil defence operatives were reportedly caught in an ambush in the waterways of Bayelsa State by the marauders who immediately opened fire on them, instantly killing one. THISDAY learnt that the security officers were on a surveillance duty at Agbobiri community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area in the night when they were ambushed by the armed militants. A source noted that operatives from the anti-vandal unit of NSCDC had gone to the creeks to check oil installations in the area in line with the directive of the state Commandant, Mr. Desmond Agu when they were attacked.
He added that following the activities of militants in the region, Agu deployed his men in oil-bearing communities and ordered them to constantly patrol oil installations in the creeks. “The team had conducted their daily surveillance and were on their way back when suddenly some gunmen opened fire on them. The men fired back but because it was an ambush, one of them was killed,” he disclosed. The incident, which could have led to some casualties on the new part of the militants, according to the source who preferred not to be named, reportedly happened at about 11.15p.m. Expert divers were said to have recovered the body of the deceased operative who was an indigene of Okodi in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state. Agu, the state commandant of the NSCDC, confirmed the incident, describing it as unfortunate.
While restating the commitment of his command in protecting all assets of the government against sabotage, Agu said the killers would not go unpunished. He added that his men gave a good account of themselves despite the ambush and advised criminals operating in the creeks to turn a new leaf or leave the state. “My men of the anti-vandal unit on surveillance duty were ambushed at Agobiri community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area. they were ambushed on their way back. “One of them was killed. The incident happened on Friday at about 23.15 hours. We have recovered the body,” Agu said. He pledged that his men would not be deterred by the loss, noting that the command was further motivated to tackle criminals in state.
