By Bassey Inyang in Calabar
The Nigerian Army on Friday announced that it had killed seven members of the Bakassi Strike Force(BSF) following an early morning attack launched by the militants on the soldiers’ position in Efut Esighi, Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The army said the attack by the BSF militants was successfully repelled, and in the process the militants, some of whom were in military camouflage, were killed during gun battle.
Public Relations Officer. 13 brigade Nigerian Army, Captain Kayode Owolabi, who made the announcement through a press statement, said no soldier was killed during shootout with the militants.
The statement made available to journalists in Calabar titled “Unrepentant Militant Group, The Bakassi Strike Force Attacked Army Position In Efut Isigi, Cross River State,” read in part: “At about 0100hrs early this morning 30/9/2016. Militant group, the Bakassi Strike Force led by the most wanted criminal Benjamin Ene alias G1 attacked troops’ position. The very determined troops of 13 Brigade and Operation Delta Safe repelled the attack killing 7 of the militants some of them wearing Nigerian military camouflage. Items recovered are 250 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, Rocket propelled Gun launcher, GPMG Belt links and various charms while several others escaped with gunshot wounds. No casualty from the military.”
Continuing the statement said, “The Commander 13 Brigade Nigerian Army General Bulama Biu wants to make it abundantly clear that no militant group or criminal under any guise would be spared.
“The military and other security agencies will continue to hunt down any militant group or criminals that do not surrender. Earlier some of the militant camps and shrines have been located and destroyed by forces. Gen Bulama Biu thanked all patriotic and good people of the state for their timely information, support and urge them not to relent in their efforts while going about their legitimate business. Please accept the esteemed regards of the Brigade Commander.”
Friday’s attack on the military position was the second of such by the BSF following the first act of aggression against the soldiers on September 24,this year.
