The Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta, code-named �Operation Restore Hope�, has hinted of more raids on militants� camps, following the success recorded in last week�s exercise in Bayelsa and Delta states.
The Nation gathered that weapons and about 1,000 rounds of ammunition were recovered during the attacks on the militants� hideouts.
Three suspected militants were confirmed K-I-A (killed in action) at Epebu community, Bayelsa State, by troops of the task force.
But the JTF insists that it has not declared a full-blown attack on any part of the region. It said previous operations were carried out to mop up illegal weapons.
The JTF also carried out premeditated raids on camps of the Deadly Underdogs and Freedom Movement in Egbema Kingdom, Warri North Local Government, Delta State.
A top defence source told our correspondent in a telephone interview that the operations “were a huge success in view of the huge cache of arms that were retrieved”.
Some of the weapons recovered at Epebu, according to the source, included three AK-47 rifles, a Berretta pistol, G3 rifle, and an automatic Falcon pump-action gun.
Ammunition recovered by the soldiers, who also gunned down three suspected militants after coming under heavy shelling, included 437 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 317 rounds of 7.62 NATO-issued bullets.
Other weapons recovered from the scene, according to the source, are two 50 machine gun non-distractive circle magazine, 20 AK-47 magazines, a cylinder magazine, one G3 magazine, one Berretta pistol magazine and a military camouflage bullet-proof vest.
JTF�s spokesman Major Omale Ochagwuba confirmed the report to our correspondent.
Major Ochagwuba said: “Our troops swooped on the militants� base in Epebu following reliable information that arms and ammunition were being stockpiled in the camp.
“Our intelligence indicated that the proliferation of the arms was responsible for the criminal activities and violence in some parts of the region and we are not ready to tolerate it because the only competent people empowered by law to carry weapons are members of the armed forces.”
While noting that the JTF would support the ongoing search for political solutions to the Niger Delta crisis, he said the military would continue to carry out operations at locations where arms and ammunition were hidden.
He said: “Our operation is merely to maintain law and order and not a full blown attack on any part of the region. Law-abiding members of the society have nothing to fear and they are going about their businesses without fear.
“Those who have something to fear are those who are stockpiling weapons. When we get information on such locations, we are compelled to take action, this is without prejudice to the ongoing peace process.”