A military operation aimed at dislodging a notorious militant gang led by one warlord, identified as ‘General’ Karaowei, has led to the death of four more soldiers and several militants.
Karaowei, described by sources as a warlord, notorious kidnapper and murderer, was said to be leading a gang of militants involved in kidnapping, sea robberies and other criminal activities .
The incident according to reports occurred at Toru-Ndoro community in Ekeremor Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.
Tension in the community started following the beheading of a senior security officer by the militant gang, who made a ceremony out of the murderous act by displaying the head round the community.
The slain security officer, whose identity had been kept under wraps, was reportedly killed in an undercover operation to apprehend Karaowei.
The action compelled the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) to deploy troops in the area with a mandate to neutralize the gang and arrest Karaowei.
Though the troops were accused of razing houses of innocent residents in the area, four of them were said to have been killed in a shootout with the militants.
The OPDS Commander, Rear Admiral Suleiman Apochi, reportedly deployed more troops in the community.
The troops were said to have intensified their search to locate the hideout of the militant leader and his boys in the creeks.
A senior military officer, who spoke in confidence, confirmed the killing of four soldiers by the militants and assured that the murderers and their leader would soon be apprehended.
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