‘Cotonou Boat’ hit by military chopper; JTF debunks online fake news

A boat  on an illegal oil mission in Rivers came under fire August 27, and the mdia was later awash with report of innocent victims killed on injured in the hit.

An eyewitness onboard the boat narrated to Sahara Reporters how the military gunship hovered three time before reigning shots on the boat carrying foodstuff, and two passengers, both wounded.

It’s all fake news, the Defence Headquarters said.

According to Operation Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe the air assets the JTF received reports from ground troops on clearance operations that ran into hostilities.

“On receiving the report a combat helicopter was despatched to provide close air support mission along the Cawthorne Channel.,” a press statement Defence Information Director Olufemi Sawyerr issued August 29 said.

“The helicopter encountered an illegal oil bunkerers’ boat popularly called “Cotonou Boat”. They were escorted by two speedboats was suspected to be carrying illegally refined oil products in large drums along the Channel in the direction of OPDS patrol boats.

“On sighting the boat, warning shots were fired to dissuade the crew from hostile action. The crew fired back at the helicopter and the boat was engaged accordingly.

Sawyerr said the two speedboats detached from the convoy at high speed leaving the “Cotonou Boat” which was neutralised.

“The helicopter later went after the 2 speedboats but was unable to track it. The suspects are still at large and a manhunt has been sent out to apprehend them.”

The Defence Headquarters insisted the military remains a professional institution that operates in line with best practices through the application of rule of engagement and code of conduct.

“Efforts by anyone to protect criminality by disparaging the actions of the military in preventing economic sabotage and other sundry crimes need to be condemned by all,” he said.