A bloody exchange of gunfire between some operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and suspected Niger Delta militants has led to the death of three members of the gang and left two officials of the Corps injured.

During the incident which took place along Snake Creeks in Nembe, Bayelsa State, many of the suspected hoodlums, who reportedly attacked the armed NSCDC personnel were said to have fled with gunshot injuries.

Security operatives have recently become the targets of militants and sea pirates in the Niger Delta region, leading to the death of at least 10 soldiers and naval officers in the last one month.

Confirming the latest attack, Mr Desmond Agu, Commandant of the NSCDC in the state, noted that his men were on patrol when they came under fire from the suspected criminals.

“NSCDC personnel while on patrol along Snake Creek within Nembe Creeks came under heavy attack from the criminals operating along that axis. After the ensuing gun battle, three of the assailants were killed while the rest escaped with gunshot injuries.

“Two NSCDC personnel sustained minor gunshot injuries but have been treated and discharged from the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa,” Agu said yesterday.

On the security threats posed by the recent upsurge in the activities of the militants and fears that oil production in the region might end if the attacks continue, Agu stated that the NSCDC and the other security agencies were working seriously to ensure that threats are minimised.

“The militants cannot take over the creeks because that’s not possible. The nation belongs to all of us. We are talking about protecting Nigeria’s critical assets. We will make sure that in collaboration with the other agencies, the pipelines and other assets are protected.

“We are ensuring that this thing is minimised so that Nigeria will breathe. Nigeria depends largely on oil. On the destruction of pipelines, we are at red alert,” he added. (THISDAY)

•Photo shows combat-ready NSCDC operatives.

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