From: Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa

Suspected sea pirates have killed two soldiers during an operation at Cawthrone Channel, a border creek between Kalabari in Rivers State and Nembe in Bayelsa State.

Three others were reported to have sustained various degrees of injuries.

Security sources said the soldiers attached to Operation Delta Safe (ODS) had responded to a distress call when they were attacked by the suspected sea robbers

The soldiers were said to have come under heavy gunfire and were unable to resist the attack leading to the death of the two soldiers.

Sources at the headquarters of the ODS in Igbogene, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, stated that the Commander, Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman, has directed soldiers to comb all the creeks and ensure the arrest of the pirates.

Media coordinator of ODS, Maj Abubakar Abdullahi, who confirmed the death of the two soldiers in a press statement, said soldiers are on the trail of the culprits and they would soon be apprehended.

His words, “In continuation of its drive to accomplish its mandate, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE on patrol around Iyalama Adama axis of Rivers State, yesterday discovered and destroyed 13 illegal refineries. However, no arrest was made.

Sadly, our troops deployed at Creek 6 Houseboat Cawthorne Channel while responding to a distress call of sea robbers attack around Ijawkiri general area engaged heavily armed sea robbers. Unfortunately, 2 gallant soldiers exhibited highest point of patriotism by paying supreme price, while 3 others sustained gunshot injuries. Effort is ongoing by the JTF to track and apprehend the criminals.”