From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
THE Operation Pulo Shield ( OPPS) has rescued a soldier kidnapped by suspected sea-pirates in Otakeme, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Operatives of the security outfit also gunned down four suspected sea-pirates and arrested a medical officer, who was alleged to be the brain behind the treatment of suspected sea-pirates and injured militants.
According to investigations, the soldier (name withheld) was kidnapped in Nembe Local Government Area and was being moved into the creeks when a stop and search operation by troops of OPPS intercepted the speed boat that was carrying him but his abductors escaped.
The coordinator of the Joint Media Campaign Centre (JMCC), Col Isa Ado, who disclosed that the soldier has been moved to a medical facility for treatment said troops are on the trail of the fleeing kidnappers.
On the arrest of the medical officer, Ado said that OPPS troops during an operation in Nembe engaged suspected sea-pirates in gun duel during which their ring leader known as Idiagbon was arrested.
According to him it was Idiagbon who led them to Okiama village in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area where the medical facility is located.
“Troops deployed in Nembe LGA of Bayelsa State arrested a medical worker, who specialized in treating wounded militants and sea pirates who sustained gun injuries during shoot out with security operatives in the region. It was revealed that the medical worker who has been in the business for a long time was alleged to be responsible for the treatment of the injured sea pirates and their leader who recently engaged troops of the Joint Force in a shootout, along Nembe water ways.
“During the encounter, four of the sea pirates were killed, while others sustained injuries. Among them is the leader of the gang popularly known as Idiagbon, who was taken to the medical facility owned by the arrested medical worker at Okiama village in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the State where treatment was administered on them.
“However, luck ran out on the suspects as troops on getting the information cordoned off the area and arrested the medical worker, while the injured pirates escaped before the arrival of troops.
“The suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigation.”