By Olayemi Esan
The Defence headquarters on Sunday has debunked a media report stating that "the military fired at a cargo boat conveying people and food stuff from Port Harcourt to Bonny”.
Director Defence Information, Maj. Gen Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr in a statement said, this report is false and calls to question the credibility of the online news medium.
Sawyerr explained that, contrary to the report, the Air Component of the Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe recieved reports from ground troops who were on clearance operations but encountered resistance at the point of encounter. On receiving the report a combat helicopter was despatched to provide close air support mission 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", he said.
He noted that nn 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.
Defence spokesperson added that the two speedboats detached from the convoy at high speed leaving the "Cotonou Boat" which was neutralised.
"He explained that the helicopter later went after the 2 speedboats but was unable to track it. The suspects are still at large and a manhunt has been sent out to apprehend them.
"The military remains a professional institution that operates in line with best practices through the application of rule of engagement and code of conduct.
"It is also positioned to protect the populace rather than victimising them. Efforts by anyone to protect criminality by disparaging the actions of the Military in preventing economic sabotage and other sundry crimes need to be condemned by all.
"The general public is therefore enjoined to disregard the report and continue providing accurate information to troops that will lead to the attainment of own operational mandate of safeguarding lives, properties as well as government assets in the South South region", the statement said.