2 Soldiers Drown At Sea As Troops Hunt For Niger Delta Avengers

Two soldiers have drowned to death after a military gunboat involved in the search for members of the militant group, the Niger Delta Avengers suffered a mishap on water in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.

According to sources who spoke to The Trent,  that the accident occurred at the early hours of Friday, May 20, 2016 when the patrol boat loaded with soldiers had an accident on the high seas. Several soldiers were injured in the accident.

Villagers in the creeks also confirmed the death and the injuries sustained by the soldiers.

The death of the soldiers, The Trent learnt, has thrown the Joint Military Task Force and the Operation Pulo Shield and the third battalion of the Nigerian army into mourning.

The incident, has increased fear in the area as residents are at a loss as to how the military will respond to the death of their colleagues on the Niger Delta high seas.

A military officer, who preferred not to be named, said the gunboat was conveying over 10 soldiers when it capsized and the two soldiers were eventually drowned.

Those who sustained injuries are undergoing treatment in undisclosed hospitals within the Warri metropolis.

Efforts to get the Commanding Officer, 3 Battalion, in Effurun Barracks, Major Monday Azanku, for comments were futile.

The JTF spokesman, Colonel Isa Ado, could not also be reached for comments.