Daring Niger Delta militants this morning attacked Nigerian troops, leaving one soldier dead and other injured in the Bakassi area of Cross River State.

The attack was reportedly led by a militant leader by name Benjamin Simplee, alias G1.

Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, confirmed the incident in a statement. He disclosed that troops returned fire and killed two of the militants while some others escaped with gunshot wounds.

He said the attackers also burnt a buffalo pick-up patrol vehicle belonging to the military.

Usman said that 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,” he said, adding:

“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.”

•Photo shows Bakassi militants.

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