Abuja—The Nigerian military has revealed that the cargo boat a military helicopter shot at along the Bonny waterways in Rivers State, was conveying illegally refined oil products.
In a statement by Benjamin Olufemi Sawyer, Director of Defence Information, the military noted that the Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) received reports from ground troops on clearance operation.
According to the statement, on receiving the report, a combat helicopter was deployed to provide air support along the Cawthorne Channel.
“The helicopter encountered an illegal oil bunkerers’ boat popularly called Cotonou Boat.
“The boat which was being escorted by 2 speedboats was suspected to be carrying illegally refined oil products in large drums along the Channel in the direction of OPDS patrol boats.
“On sighting the boat, warning shots were fired to dissuade the crew from hostile action. The crew fired back at the helicopter and the boat was engaged accordingly.
“The 2 speedboats detached from the convoy at high speed leaving the “Cotonou Boat” which was neutralised. The helicopter later went after the 2 speedboats but was unable to track them.
“The suspects are still at large and a manhunt has been sent out to apprehend them.”
The military promised to operate within its rules of engagement and enjoined the general public to discard any misinformation aimed at denting its image.
