Army Arrests Suspected Militant for Alleged Involvement in Killing Two Soldiers

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

Operatives of the 19 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, Koko, Delta State, have arrested a suspected militant whose gang allegedly killed two soldiers along Oboh river in Sapele Local Government Area in the state and carted away their gun boat recently.

The militant gang had on July 9, this year, shot and killed the two soldiers at a military platform located along Oboh river while escaping with a kidnapped victim.

THISDAY investigations revealed that the militants, numbering about six, had kidnapped one Mrs. Owumi and moved her to the riverside where a boat had been stationed for their escape.

Military sources disclosed that while escaping, the militants saw the two soldiers at the platform and opened fire killing them instantly.

It was gathered that because there was no resistance and convinced there were no other soldiers around, the militants stopped at the military platform, carted away their two AK 47 rifles, two fully loaded magazines as well as the military gun boat away.

THISDAY gathered that following a manhunt for the hoodlums, the operatives of 19 Battalion stationed in Sapele apprehended the suspect, believed to be the supplier of food to the militant’s camp.

The suspect identified as Elias Otutu was captured at about 10.45 p.m. penultimate Thursday at Otonyasere area of Sapele and was whisked to a military facility in Koko.

Commanding Officer of 19 Battalion in Koko, Colonel M.A. Maaji, could not be reached for confirmation of the arrest as he was said to have travelled out of the country but a top officer confirmed the development.

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