Notorious Oil Thief Killed As 3 Security Men Die In Firefights In Ogoniland

THE Nigerian Army has confirmed killing in Ogoni area of Rivers State an alleged oil theft lord and cultist after two firefight that initially led to the death of a soldier and two personnel of the National Civil Defence and Safety Corps.

The incident happened in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State when security men guarding an oil pipeline in the area were attacked leading to the death of the three security men. In response the army later in the day caught up with some of those involved leading to the death of Korobe Menele – popularly known as MENE.

A statement issued by Col. Aminu Iliyasu, deputy director, Army Public Relations, 6 Division based read thus:

“In the early hours of Sunday 16 June 2019, troops of 29 Battalion of 6 Division Nigerian Army (NA) in conjunction with personnel of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) guarding Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Trans National Pipelines at Gio, Tai Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State were attacked by suspected militants hitherto prevented from vandalizing  24″ and 28″ TNP thereby putting them out of the illicit business.”

“Unfortunately, during the ensuing fire fight one soldier and 2 personnel of the NSCDC lost their lives and their weapons (one AK 47 and 2 G3 rifles) were carted away by the assailants.

“Immediate reinforcement by troops at the location led to the cordon and search of the general area with the view to finding any  criminal believed to be harbouring within the  communities.

“Reliable intelligence led to the tracking of the prime suspect, a  notorious cultist and illegal oil bunkering kingpin Korobe Menele Loveday who has been on the wanted list of the security agencies for terrorizing communities in the state.

“Consequently, at about 9:00am, troops cashing on available information sighted a white Toyota Hilux vehicle without number plate, hastily driven with 4 occupants. Efforts to stop the vehicle by troops at a check point was ignored. The gallant troops chased the speeding vehicle and caught up with the suspects around Kira Junction, along Ken Saro Wiwa Polytechnic.

“Sensing danger, the occupants opened fire at the troops in bid to escape. Troops reacted, incapacitated the militants’ vehicle. The bandits abandoned their vehicle and fled to the bush. However, one of the criminals was gunned down and was identified as the wanted notorious cultists and illegal oil bunkering kingpin Korobe Menele – popularly known as MENE. Others with him, believed to escape with gun shot wounds – leaving trails of blood.

“The following items were  recovered from the scene and in the vehicle:, 1 x K2 Rifle, 2 x Magazines loaded with 52 Rounds of 5.56mm, some personal effects, one pair of vehicle plate number KRK 95DP RIVERS and some documents.

“The body and other recovered exhibits have been handed over to the NSCDC Rivers State Command for further action, while troops continue to track the remaining fleeing bandits to face  justice.

“The General Officer Commanding 6 Division Maj Gen Jamil Sarham uses this opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of the Division to protecting lives and properties of law abiding citizens in Rivers. He also solicits cooperation of all stakeholders in tackling insecurity within the Niger Delta through sharing of credible information to the security agencies.”

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