Mene, 2 others killed in Rivers as army, oil thieves engage in gun battle

PORT HARCOURT, Rivers, Nigeria – Troops of 29 Battalion of the 6 Division Nigerian Army (NA) in conjunction with personnel of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) guarding Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Trans National Pipelines at Gio community in Tai Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State have killed a notorious cultist and illegal oil bunkering kingpin.

The cultist, Korobe Menele Loveday, popularly known as Menele,  was killed in the early hours of Sunday, June 16 around Kira Junction, along Ken Saro Wiwa Polytechnic, in Khana Local Government Area. 

Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Aminu Illiasu, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt,  Sunday,  said the hoodlums, led by Mene had earlier attacked a joint team of soldiers and personnel of NSCDC, who had “hitherto prevented the militants from vandalizing  24″ and 28″ TNP thereby putting them out of the illicit business.”

“Unfortunately, during the ensuing fire fight one soldier and 2 personnels of the NSCDC lost their lives and their weapons (one AK 47 and 2 G3 rifles) were carted away by the assailants.”

Col  Illiasu  explained: “An immediate reinforcement by troops at the location led to the cordon and search of the general area with the view to finding any  criminal believed to be harbouring within the communities.”

“Reliable intelligence led to the tracking of the prime suspect, a  notorious cultist and illegal oil bunkering kingpin Korobe Menele Loveday who has been on the wanted list of the security agencies for terrorizing communities in the state.”

He stated: “Consequently, at about 9:00am, troops cashing on available information sighted a white Toyota Hilux vehicle without number plate, hastily driven with 4 occupants. Efforts to stop the vehicle by troops at a check point was ignored. The gallant troops chased the speeding vehicle and  caught up with the suspects around Kira Junction, along Ken Saro Wiwa Polytechnic.”

“Sensing danger, the occupants opened fire at the troops in a bid to escape. Troops reacted, and  incapacitated the militants’ vehicle. As a result, the bandits abandoned their vehicle and fled to the bush. However, one of the criminals was gunned down and was identified as the wanted notorious cultists and illegal oil bunkering kingpin Korobe Menele – popularly known as MENE. Others with him, escaped with gun shot wounds – leaving trails of blood.” 

“The following tems were  recovered from the scene and in the vehicle:, 1 x K2 Rifle, 2 x Magazines loaded with 52 Rounds of 5.56mm, some personal effects, one pair of vehicle plate number KRK 95DP RIVERS and some documents.”

“The body and other recovered exhibits have been handed over to the NSCDC Rivers State Command for further action, while troops continue to track the remaining fleeing bandits to face  justice.”

The statement added: “The General Officer Commanding 6 Division Maj Gen Jamil Sarham use this opportunity to rereaffirm the commitment of the Division in protecting lives and properties of  law abiding citizens in Rivers state. He also solicits the cooperation of all stakeholders in tackling insecurity within the Niger Delta region through sharing of credible information to the security agencies.”