Fergusson Bobai, flag officer commanding (FOC), western naval command, on Friday said Abayomi Olonishakin, chief of defence staff (CDS), ordered air strikes on militants’ base in Lagos and Ogun states.
Bobai said this at a news conference held at the command’s headquarters in Apapa, Lagos.
He said the navy had successfully blocked all escape routes of pipeline vandals in Arepo in Ogun and Ikorodu, Lagos.
“The directive came from the CDS for us to carry out the operation in the Arepo area,” he said.
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“This is with a view of dismantling the vandals who are scattered in Arepo, Ibafo and Ishawo areas of the state. Initially, we were directed not to use air power.
“But when we carried out an assessment of the area, a lot of the vandals moved from the areas accessible by water and land to areas that were difficult terrain into the swampy areas.
“We had to use the air power, which was granted by the CDS.
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“We the blocked escape routes toward Ogun state and we are going to sustain this operation and see, where it will lead us.
“The essence of having this blockade by land and water is that when they are running out, we will be able to grab them, profile and investigate them.”
Bobai said the military collaborated with Lagos and Ogun governments since the operation was between both territories.
He said other security agencies were participating, saying the navy had also employed the special boat services alongside the directorate of state services.
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He added that the navy would not only arrest the vandals but would also get at their sponsors.
Bobai also spoke about the kidnap of the monarch of Iba, saying there were ongoing meetings with the police to ensure that the Oba was safe, even if he was within the area of operation.
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