Military Jets Bombing Ijaw Militants Operating From Lagos & Ogun Creeks

The operation to flush out militants in Lagos and Ogun communities is paying off. Over 100 people suspected to be militants have been reportedly killed as the Nigerian military continued bombardment of Fatola, the base of militants and pipeline vandals in the Arepo area.

It was observed that the attack started at about 12pm. At least eight missiles were fired by a fighter jet on Saturday, which flew across the creek at intervals.

Another aircraft was observed hovering around the area.

Many residents ran for their lives due to the ground-shaking effects of the missiles. Business and other activities were grounded and many residents fled their houses for fear of being hit by bullets.

A resident who was on the road when the shots were fired told Punch that the Saturday attack was more intense than previous air raids.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, she said, “The air raid started on Thursday evening. It was just a missile that was released, but the effect was serious. On Friday evening, another airplane which flew across the creek released gunfire which lasted for some minutes. I could hear the shots as if they were fired close at me. But the Thursday and Friday attacks were child’s play compared with that of today (Saturday).

“The aircraft releasing the missiles had three short wings with a sharp mouth. It maintained a visible presence in the sky and anytime it wanted to fire, it flew down as if it was about to crash. I never knew the military had such a weapon.”

Another resident, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, said he lay flat in his apartment during the Saturday attack.

He said, “I was alone in the house with my son. The boy shook with fright every time a missile landed. I carried him and lay flat on the floor. The missiles shook the whole ground. I am not sure if I would continue to live here because of this. My landlord left with his family yesterday.”

A source close to the millitants told Punch that the missiles levelled the base of the militants.

He said, “The whole place has been levelled. From the information I just gathered, those killed today (Saturday) cannot be less than 100. I am aware that some of them (the militants) are presently in the waters where they are hiding. They are making calls and seeking escape routes from the place.”

Another source, who said military should intensify attacks on the militants, said they abandoned their ammunition in the creeks and are on the run.

He said the notorious militants could regroup and cause greater havoc if given a breathing space.

He said, “The heat is on them. One of them said it was because of the kidnap of a monarch in Lagos (Oniba of Iba) that the missile attack was intensified.

“He said he had asked his colleagues to release the monarch, but they didn’t listen. I am aware that the monarch will be released between today and tomorrow, if he has not been killed.

“The military should deploy secret officials in Ibafo, Pakuro, Wawa and other villages. I believe those places will be their next hideouts. They must not be given any breathing space. If they are allowed to regroup, there will be serious problems.”

The acting Director of Defence Information, Brig-General Rabe Abubakar, confirmed the air strikes.

“The joint operation will continue until the area is secure and free from all forms of unwanted and criminal gangs whether they are militants or vandals,” he assured.