Soldiers Kill Two Gunmen, Rescue Three from Kidnappers

Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt

The Nigerian Army has said its men killed two gunmen in an exchange of gunfire at Afam Community in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 2 Brigade Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Capt. Eli Lazarus, said yesterday in Port Harcourt that four other suspects escaped with gunshot wounds.

According to the army spokesman, no soldier died during the encounter with the gunmen which lasted for several hours.

Lazarus said the soldiers had on Monday trailed the suspected gunmen, numbering six, in a Toyota Camry salon car.
“At about 1p.m. on Monday, troops of 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, on routine patrol had an encounter with gunmen in Afam, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers.

“Two suspects were killed during the encounter while four others escaped with gunshot wounds.

“Items recovered from the suspects were three AK-47 rifles, one pistol, eight AK-47 magazines and 81 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

“Also, a blue Toyota Camry car with registration number Rivers FC 288 PHC that was used by the suspects was recovered,” he said.

Lazarus also said soldiers, on the same day, rescued two men and a woman (names withheld) who were abducted by gunmen at Ubima Community in Isiokpo Local Government Area of the state.

He said the hostages were freed from their kidnappers after engaging them in a shootout.

“Immediately the abduction was reported, our men swiftly responded and engaged the abductors who later abandoned their victims and ran into the bush,” he said.

Lazarus said the freed hostages had reunited with their families, adding that troops were on the trail of the abductors.

He called on members of the public to provide security agencies with timely information that would lead to the arrest of criminals in the area.