Military arrests 44 suspected members of IPOB in Bayelsa, discover 23 human skulls in Bakassi Strike Force militants’ shrine in C/River

Military arrests 44 suspected members of IPOB in Bayelsa, discover 23 human skulls in Bakassi Strike Force militants’ shrine in C/River

The Joint Military Force in the Niger Delta , Operation Delta Safe on Friday said it arrested 44 members of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)  and discovered 23 decomposing Human skulls in ongoing operations.

This was contained in a statement signed by Lt-Col Olaolu Daudu, Spokesman of the joint military operation and made available to newsmen on Friday in Yenagoa.

“On 22 October 2016, troops of Sector 2, Operation DELTA SAFE in Bayelsa State acting on intelligence, trailed a group of people which led to the arrest of 44 members suspected of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

“They were apprehended at Lakeview Club along Mabinton Estate, Okaka road, Bayelsa State. This group was planning to establish Bayelsa State Chapter of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra and disrupt public peace within the Joint Operations Area of the Operation DELTA SAFE.

“Furthermore, the unity of Nigeria is non – negotiable and sacrosanct.  Hence any unlawful gathering that will cause mayhem, threaten the unity and sovereignty of the country will not be condoned,” the statement read in part.

 According to Daudu on 26 October 2016 troops in Southern Cross River State acting on a tip off carried out a raid in Ikot Ene Idem, Abakpa and Ikang Inam in Bakassi and Akpabuyo Local Government Areas (LGA) of Cross River.

 He explained that during the cordon and search operations, troops discovered four militant shrines with 23 human skulls in various stages of decomposition, a complete human skeleton and several other human body parts.

The shrines were destroyed as troops continue the search for the perpetrators of these heinous acts against humanity. 

The Joint Force stated that with the clearance of the shrines the Bakassi Strike Force has been smoked out from the areas they used to hold sway adding that ritual killing is sacrilegious and will not be tolerated within the Joint Operation Area.

Meanwhile, troops arrested two suspects while on patrol at Idebe Ifak Anam, Ikot Okon Edem and Abakpa of Bakassi LGA in Cross River.

Preliminary investigation reveals that the arrested suspects are agents of Bakassi Strike Force Militants who act as spies for them.

The statement further showed that troops in response to a distress call on October 23 2016, at Finima in Bonny LGA of Rivers foiled an attack by some cult members using AK 47 riffles to terrorize members of the community.

“Troops immediately raided their hideout. The suspected kingpin popularly referred to as Eagle Face dived into the river on sighting troops.

“Two of the suspected cult members were arrested; one locally made pistol, one machete and two handsets were recovered.

“On 25 October 2016 the body of the suspected kingpin was seen floating in the creeks by locals who recovered and buried the corpse at Bonny river bank.

“Effort is ongoing to apprehend other members of the group,” the military stated.

The statement quoted the Acting Commander Brig.-Gen. Kevin Aligbe as appreciating members of the public for their continuous cooperation, timely provision of information to troops.

Aligbe also reassured residents and oil companies operating in the Niger Delta region particularly the people of Southern Cross River of their safety to go about their legitimate businesses.

He noted that Operation DELTA SAFE has the full backing of the Federal Government to bring sanity to the Joint Operation Area within its Rules of Engagement.