Categories
AFNewsNG Logo
News Special Report

TOP STORY: Nigerian Military Finally Reveals Why Combat Helicopter Shot At Boat In Rivers

Afnews Editor

Aug 30, 2021

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has denied attacking a boat conveying people and food items from Port Harcourt to Bonny in Rivers.

READ ALSO: Fleeing Delta LG Staff Accused Of Hypnotizing, Ra-ping Teen To Death Caught | DETAILS

A statement on Monday by the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Benjamin Sawyerr declared the claim was false.

READ ALSO: NIGERIA ELECTIONS: FULL TEXT OF BUHARI'S NATIONAL BROADCAST

Sawyerr said the Air Component of the Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) received an alert from ground troops.

READ ALSO: WATCH VIDEO: 'It's A Shame' - Wike Blasts FCDA Officials For Embarrassing Him | READ REASON

The soldiers, on clearance operations, reported they were facing resistance at the point of encounter.

READ ALSO: PDP Crisis: Anyanwu Exposes Why He's Being Forced Out | READ DETAILS

The military dispatched a combat helicopter to provide close air support mission along the Cawthorne Channel.

READ ALSO: Bloodbath At Wedding: Bandits Kill 13, Abduct Many In Midnight Attack In Kaduna Community

Sawyerr noted that the chopper observed an illegal oil bunkering boat popularly called "Cotonou BoatÔÇØ and two escort speedboats.

READ ALSO: Ofuji Ndị Igbo Sets 2026 Agenda, Promises Greater Community Engagement

Sawyerr explained that warning shots were fired to dissuade the crew from hostile action but they fired back.

READ ALSO: Bandits Release Pictures Of Abducted Kebbi Teachers, Students

The two speedboats, according to him, detached from the convoy at high speed leaving the "Cotonou BoatÔÇØ which was neutralised.

READ ALSO: Why ICPC Is Prosecuting Mike Ozekhome Over a London Property Deal That Has Shaken Nigeria's Legal Circle | READ DETAILS

"The helicopter later went after the two speedboats but was unable to track it, while the suspects are still at large and a manhunt has been sent out to apprehend them,ÔÇØ he said.

READ ALSO: HILARIOUS: Divorce Case In Court, Husband Impregnates Wife During Lockdown | SEE DETAILS

The DDI assured that the military remains a professional institution that operates in line with best practices through the application of rules of engagement and code of conduct.

READ ALSO: Mother's Day: Abia Government Liaison Officer Honours Women, Says Mothers Shape Future Leaders

Rivers helicopter shooting victim speaks from hospital bed

Related Stories

""

— Afnews Editor

Join the Conversation

Signed in as Member