Military confirms death of 3 soldiers in crossfire with militants

The Joint Military Force deployed to protect
oil facilities in the Niger Delta on Tuesday
confirmed that three soldiers were killed in a
gun duel with pirates and militants. Col. Isa
Ado, Spokesman of the force, codenamed,
``Operation Pulo Shield', told newsmen in a
telephone interview that the incident occurred
on Monday night.
Ado said that the shooting took place in
Foropa, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area
of Bayelsa, where troops had been stationed
since 2010. He said that the military patrol
team was attacked by a combined team of
suspected militants and sea pirates, but that
the team fought gallantly to ward off the
attack.
``The location came under fierce attack and
three of our soldiers, who were hit by bullets,
died on their way to the hospital. ``There were
so many casualties on the side of the
militants, but we cannot precisely know the
number.
``The morale of the troops remains high and
the sacrifices of these soldiers shall never be
in vain; we remain resolute in our
determination to stamp out oil theft and
illegalities in the Niger Delta region. ``These
soldiers gave their lives for peace in the Niger
Delta," Ado said.