The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), has admitted that a military helicopter fired at a boat in Rivers State.
It was reported last Friday, that a military helicopter opened fire on a boat conveying food stuff from Port Harcourt to Bonny, causing the death of many occupants.
However, in a statement on Sunday, Benjamin Sawyerr, DHQ spokesperson, said the report is not true.
Sawyerr stated that the boat was conveying illegally-refined oil products.
He noted that the air component of the joint taskforce, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), received reports from the ground troops who were on clearance operations.
According to him, a combat helicopter was dispatched to provide close air support mission along the Cawthorne channel upon receiving the report.
“The helicopter encountered an illegal oil bunkering boat popularly called “Cotonou Boat,” he said.
“The boat which was being 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.
“The two speedboats detached from the convoy at high speed leaving the “Cotonou Boat” which was neutralised.
“The helicopter later went after the two 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 spokesman said the military has remained a professional institution that operates in line with best practices through the application of rule of engagement and code of conduct.
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