Korobe Loveday
Finally, Troops
Korobe Loveday
Finally, Troops Eliminate Rivers Bunkering Kingpin, Korobe
Loveday
In the early hours of today Sunday the 16th of June 2019, troops
of 29 Battalion of 6 Division Nigerian Army (NA) in conjunction
with personnel of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps
(NSCDC) guarding Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Trans
National Pipelines at Gio community in Tai Local Government Area
(LGA) of Rivers State were attacked by suspected militants who were
hitherto prevented from vandalizing 24″ and 28″ TNP thereby putting
them out of the illicit business.
Unfortunately, during the ensuing fire fight one soldier and 2
personnels of the NSCDC lost their lives and their weapons (one AK
47 and 2 G3 rifles) were carted away by the assailants.
An immediate reinforcement by troops at the location led to the
cordon and search of the general area with the view to finding any
criminal believed to be harbouring within the communities.
Reliable intelligence led to the tracking of the prime suspect,
a notorious cultist and illegal oil bunkering kingpin Korobe Menele
Loveday who has been on the wanted list of the security agencies
for terrorizing communities in the state.
Consequently, at about 9:00am, troops cashing on available
information sighted a white Toyota Hilux vehicle without number
plate, hastily driven with 4 occupants. Efforts to stop the vehicle
by troops at a check point was ignored. The gallant troops chased
the speeding vehicle and caught up with the suspects around Kira
Junction, along Ken Saro Wiwa Polytechnic.
Sensing danger, the occupants opened fire at the troops in a bid
to escape. Troops reacted, and incapacitated the militants’
vehicle. As a result, the bandits abandoned their vehicle and fled
to the bush. However, one of the criminals was gunned down and was
identified as the wanted notorious cultists and illegal oil
bunkering kingpin Korobe Menele – popularly known as MENE. Others
with him, believed to escape with gun shot wounds – leaving trails
of blood.
The following tems were recovered from the scene and in the
vehicle:, 1 x K2 Rifle, 2 x Magazines loaded with 52 Rounds of
5.56mm, some personal effects, one pair of vehicle plate number KRK
95DP RIVERS and some documents.
The body and other recovered exhibits have been handed over to
the NSCDC Rivers State Command for further action, while troops
continue to track the remaining fleeing bandits to face
justice.
The General Officer Commanding 6 Division Maj Gen Jamil Sarham
use this opportunity to rereaffirm the commitment of the Division
in protecting lives and properties of law abiding citizens in
Rivers state. He also solicits the cooperation of all stakeholders
in tackling insecurity within the Niger Delta region through
sharing of credible information to the security agencies.
AMINU ILIYASU
Colonel
Deputy Director Army Public Relations