Niger Delta: JTF arrest wanted militant, Apollo in Bayelsa as 160 cultists surrender arms

The Joint Task Force, JTF, on Wednesday disclosed that ongoing Defense Headquarters Operation 777 have arrested a wanted militant and member of ‘Kill and and Bury’ gang, Gift Apollo, aka Thousand, in Ekeki community in Bayelsa State.

The arrest was made during JTF’s anti-illegal bunkering/anti-Illegal refining operations in the community.

The JTF Commander, Rear Admiral Apochi Ogabu Suleiman disclosed this in a press briefing held at the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Delta conference room in Warri.

He stated that the militant group was allegedly responsible for the attack and death of soldiers deployed to Abua/Odua in August 2018.

“With the help of the arrested criminal, effort is ongoing to arrest other members of the notorious gang.

“The 777 Operation was very successful and has rid the community of criminal elements who lurk around to engage in illegal refining operations and other associated criminalities.”

Rear Admiral Suleiman added that 160 cultists led by one Unyime Friday Ibanga, also known as Englishman Overcomer from Island cult group in Etim Ekpo LGA of Akwa Ibom State, have laid down their arms.

According to him, “Weapons recovered during the disarmament exercise include three Ak 47 rifle, 42 live rounds of 7.62mm(Special), five cartridges, three pump action rifles, one riot gun (long), six AK 47 empty magazines, one assault magazine, 23 locally made pistols, eight locally made single barrel guns, 10 axes and 31 cutlasses.”

He further stated that the disarmament exercise was held at Uruk at a Primary School in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

JTF Commander said four other cultists from the same cult group surrendered their weapons including, “four locally made pistols and one locally made single barrel gun.

“With these criminals and weapons out of circulation, the Joint Task Force is making inroads towards emplacing peace and order in the Niger Delta.

“It is believed that the coming days, more criminal elements would take a cue from the Island Cultists group and surrender their arms.”