… As Nigerian Navy pledges continued security in Niger Delta***

Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised four Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB)/Eastern Security Network (ESN) gunmen at Ihiala town within Ihiala Local Government of Area of Anambra.

This is contained in a statement by the Director Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, in Enugu on Wednesday.

Nwachukwu said that the gunmen, who were out enforcing the illegally imposed sit-at-home order on Monday, Feb. 7, fired sporadically in and around a filling station in Ihiala town.

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“On receipt of a distress call, troops of the Nigerian Army launched out to the location to restore normalcy.

“On intercepting the dissidents, a fire fight ensued and the gallant troops neutralised their leader, Ejike and three others.

“Items recovered from the gunmen during the encounter include one motorcycle, two pump action double barrel guns, 12 live cartridges and substances suspected to be cannabis amongst others,” he said.

According to him sadly, one combat vehicle conveying troops was involved in an accident during the operation following a technical fault.

“One gallant officer and a soldier paid the supreme price in the accident, while two sustained injuries.

“The injured are currently responding to treatment at a military hospital,” he said.

The army spokesman said that the Nigerian Army prayed for the repose of the souls of its deceased personnel.

“The general public is enjoined to continue to support the military and other security agencies through the provision of timely and accurate information that could enhance ongoing operations and ultimately, restore peace and stability in the region,” he appealed.

In the meantime, the outgoing Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Eastern Naval Command, Rear Adm. S.K. Ibrahim says the Nigerian Navy will continue to provide adequate security to Critical National Assets (CNA) in the Niger Delta.

The Navy said it would ensure increased economic development of the area for the overall benefit of the people and investors.

A statement by Prof. Anthony Adegbulugbe, the Chief Executive Officer of Green Energy International Ltd. (GEIL), made this known on Wednesday in Abuja.

Ibrahim made this known at the commissioning of the Navy Mini-Barracks at Ekefe Junction -Ikuru Town, Rivers.

The Mini Barracks was built and donated to the Nigerian Navy by Green Energy International Ltd., the operator of the Otakikpo Marginal Field in collaboration with its technical partner, Lekoil Oil and Gas Ltd.

Ibrahim was represented by Commodore S. G. Olubode Fazaz, the Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship Jubilee,

He said that corporate organisations, communities and security agencies must continue to work together in synergy with protecting investments.

He said the gesture would secure the lives and property in the Niger Delta.

Ibrahim said the Nigerian Navy, under the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. A. Z. Gambo had improved the security environment of the area.

He commended Green Energy for the consistent focus on securing the area of operation in Andoni and recalled the construction of the Navy barracks in Ikuru town.

He said that the mini barracks would provide more accommodation and facilities to the navy staff the in performance of their duties.

Ibrahim called on other companies in the area to emulate the oil and gas company.

In his remarks, the CEO of Green Energy International Ltd. (GEIL) Adegbulugbe said the building of the mini barracks was part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Adegbulugbe said it would aid the performance of the Nigerian Navy.

He said the project was a follow-up to the building of the Navy facility and barracks in Ikuru town in Andoni community in 2015.

He said there was a donation of a Hilux truck in 2019, adding that the security network of the area would be improved with the additional provision of accommodation.

The facility consists of six rooms, a security post and an observation tower, a kitchen, a store and an office complex.

Others include a 20kVA generator and 12 panels and six battery solar lighting systems.

Adegbulugbe said the donations were made in light of the company’s mandate to create a localised domestic market based on small-scale gas opportunities in Nigeria and Africa.

He said that the company with its JV partner was investing in gas utilisation through LPG and gas to power the projects.

He said that the projects were nearing completion and due for commissioning in the second quarter of 2022.

The CEO said with over six years of its operation in the area, the company had enjoyed the cooperation of security agencies.

Adegbulugbe said that with the plans to expand the operations of the company, the Government Security Forces ( GSF) should enhance its security network in the area.

He said it was for the benefit of the critical investments and the economy.

He called on the naval authorities to make effective use of the facility to enhance its performance.