Two policemen were reportedly killed and one injured after suspected gunmen, believed to be pirates, attacked a marine police base in Ogbia local government area of Bayelsa state.
Asuquo Amba, the state police commissioner, confirmed the incident.
Amba said the pirates also made away with two rifles and a 200 horsepower outboard boat engine.
“At about 002hrs on Tuesday, some unknown gunmen suspected to be sea pirates came in two boats from different directions attacked our men that were at the marine base at Ogbia,” Amba said.
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“We tried to be as defensive as possible. In the course of exchange of fire we lost two policemen who were shot in action and they were able to make away with two of our rifles.
“Also a 200 horsepower outboard engine belonging to the Ogbia local government area was carted away.”
Amba said the command recovered G3 magazine from the suspects.
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He added that all hands were on deck to bring the culprits to book.
“To show you the extent of exchange of fire at the scene we were able to recover a G3 magazine, which was used by them, with 17 live ammunition and 18 expended ammunition,” he said.
“The firing was not from one direction. It was through different directions. Prior to this time, we had secured our GMP gun which I think was one of the main thing they were looking for.
“Their target was that but we were able to secure it, so they could not steal it. We lost two police officers in action and the officer that led the team, an ASP, was equally injured and is recovering.
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“This is a recent development and it has given us a cause to sit up. We will re-strategise and secure our base and the water areas. I am sure they must have run away with their casualties.”
In the first week of the year, suspected militants beheaded a security operative, causing residents of Ndoro community in Ekeremor local government area of the state to flee their homes.
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