DHQ Confirms Military Jet Shot At Boat In Rivers State, Reveals Why It Opened Fire

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed a military aircraft shot at a boat in Rivers State a few days ago and also narrated its own side of the incident.

The DHQ statement further identified the military personnel involved in the incident as those of the Air Component of the Joint Task Force Operation DELTA SAFE (OPDS).

The statement released on Sunday and signed by the Director Defence Information, Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr however denied that the said boat was conveying people and foodstuff from Port Harcourt to Bonny.

It will be recalled that many occupants were said to have been severely injured when the fighter helicopter opened fire during the encounter and have been rushed to the hospital for treatment.

Furthermore, the boat was said to be conveying foodstuff and passengers from Port Harcourt to Bonny in Rivers State.

However, the DHQ statement said the boat in question was not conveying foodstuff and passengers but suspected illegal crude oil, and those on board were suspected illegal oil bunkerers.

It added that the military personnel initially only fired warning shots at the said boat but when the boat responded with unfriendly fire, the troops had no choice but to engage.

The suspects however escaped following the exchange of gunshots, the statement noted adding that the military will continue to engage all criminals not only in the south south but the whole of Nigeria until they are completely eliminated.

The full DHQ statement reads: “The attention of the military has been drawn to a purported report by some print and online media stating that “the military fired at a cargo boat conveying people and food stuff from Port Harcourt to Bonny”.

This report is false and calls to question the credibility of the online news medium.

Contrary to the report, the Air Component of the Joint Task Force Operation DELTA SAFE (OPDS) received reports from ground troops who were on clearance operations but encountered resistance at the point of encounter. On receiving the report a combat helicopter was despatched to provide close air support mission along the Cawthorne Channel.

“The helicopter encountered an illegal oil bunkerers’ boat popularly called “Cotonou Boat”. The boat which was being escorted by 2 speedboats was suspected to be carrying illegally refined oil products in large drums along the Channel in the direction of OPDS patrol boats.”

“On sighting the boat, warning shots were fired to dissuade the crew from hostile action. The crew fired back at the helicopter and the boat was engaged accordingly.”

“The 2 speedboats detached from the convoy at high speed leaving the “Cotonou Boat” which was neutralized. The helicopter later went after the 2 speedboats but was unable to track them. The suspects are still at large and a manhunt has been sent out to apprehend them.”

“The military remains a professional institution that operates in line with best practices through the application of rule of engagement and code of conduct.”

“It is also positioned to protect the populace rather than victimizing them. Efforts by anyone to protect criminality by disparaging the actions of the Military in preventing economic sabotage and other sundry crimes need to be condemned by all.”

“The general public is therefore enjoined to disregard the report and continue providing accurate information to troops that will lead to the attainment of own operational mandate of safeguarding lives, properties as well as government assets in the South South region.”