The joint taskforce code-named ‘Operation Delta Safe’ has discovered a suspected criminal hideout around Biogbolo Secondary School in Yenagoa metropolis, Bayelsa state.

The taskforce revealed that this was while its men were on foot patrol. The area was cordoned and subsequently searched.

Upon searching, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) placed on a riser with the intention of blasting it was discovered. The IED was diffused as troops provided security.

The joint taskforce, in a statement, informed residents of Bayelsa State that the relative peace now enjoyed in the State is due to the unrelenting approach of its officers in the fight against criminality in the Niger Delta.

The statement which was signed by the coordinator joint media campaign centre, Lieutenant Colonel Olaolu Daudu, says the troops of the joint taskforce ‘Operation Delta Safe’ have successfully dislodged a suspected unrepentant militants/sea robbers camp extension at Isunkiri in Bayelsa State.

Items recovered during the raid include; two laptops, Philippino currency note and coins, one plasma TV, one DVD player, two saw blades, four Motorola hand held radios, two R2 GMDS radios, four mobile phones, five Radio chargers, five Motorola Radio batteries and one foreign ATM card.

Others items are; two SIM cards, one civil helmet, pair of firefighting uniform, one GMI radio, documents/identity cards belonging to one Mr Roberto Bacariza Jr (Philippino), civil clothes, four pairs of Swire pacific offshore overall uniform, two boxes of drugs, two foreign passports, one ladder, one blue colour speed boat mounted with 115 Horse power with inscription VIP on it and one 75 Horse power engine, light blue coloured fibre.

Also the troops on anti-illegal bunkering operations discovered and destroyed a bunkering camp in Obi creek Epelepele Community of Brass Local Government Area in the State.

The joint taskforce revealed that a tip off led to the arrest of Mr Kelly Ikurusi, Mr Dokubo Erempagamo, Mr Orifie Borto and Mr George Friday AKA Yellow 1.

Yellow 1 is believed to be among the militants who attacked and killed the officers who were ambushed on August 8, 2016 at Nembe.

The four suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigations. (Channels TV)

•Photo shows troops on duty in the creeks.

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