In a swift reaction to rescue the abducted expatriate and arrest the perpetrators who attacked troops on Tuesday along Nembe Road of Bayelsa State, troops of Operation PULO SHIELD during a manhunt on the criminals on the same day along Soku Gas plant encountered suspected militants who opened fire on them which they quickly repelled, killing one suspect and wounding many.

Colonel Isa Ado, Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre, announced this in a press statement issued Wednesday in Yenagoa.

He said: “Three suspects were arrested but claimed to be victims of the pirates attack.

“Equipment recovered from the criminals during the encounter includes two AK 47 Automatic Assault rifle and 10 Magazine loaded with 7.62mm Special ammunition. Troops had dominated the creeks and land trotting highly intensified in its efforts to rescue the abducted expatriate and apprehend the kidnappers.”

New Expressreports that suspected sea pirates had on Tuesday attacked construction company workers along Ogbia Nembe road in Bayelsa State. Two soldiers on security detail attached to the company put up spirited efforts to stop the abduction of an expatriate working with the company but lost their lives during the encounter while an expatriate taken hostage.

Col. Ado yesterday called on “the good people of the region to come up with reliable information that will lead to the arrest of the fleeing suspects while assuring the region the determination of Operation PULO SHIELD to flush out all illegal activities in the Niger Delta.”He also enjoined the people to go on with their legitimate activities as the Joint Force is on top of the situation.

•Photo showsOperation PULO SHIELD Commander, , Maj Gen Alani Okunlola.