Militants attack troops in Bakassi, Kills One soldier and two others

The Nigerian Army said that suspected militants led by a wanted kingpin, Benjamin Simplee aka G1, leader of the Bakassi Strike Force, attacked its troops in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State on Saturday, September 24th.

Sani Usman, the Director of Army Public Relations, who confirmed the incident in a statement said a soldier was killed during the attack while the troops killed two of the militants. Other militants escaped with gunshot wounds. The attackers also burnt a military pick-up vehicle.

Usman added that two soldiers earlier declared missing were found. The militants came in several speed boats and attacked troops deployed at Efut Esighi waterfront in Bakassi.

"The troops’ location has been reinforced with more gunboats and air component. The clearance and pursuit operation is ongoing. We would like to assure the public that this singular act would not deter us from the discharge of our duties. Therefore, the perpetrators of this dastardly act would be found and brought to justice. The Nigerian Army wishes to send an unequivocal warning to all the criminal elements in the society that intend to attack any of its locations to have a rethink," Mr. Usman said.