Port Harcourt – The Nigerian Army on Monday urged Rivers residents to report anyone found with fresh bullet wound to security agencies.
In a statement by Capt. Eli Lazarus, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Brigade, Port Harcourt, the military authorities said it was searching for hoodlums who engaged troops in a shootout on Saturday.
The statement said that the shootout, which took place in Tai Local Government Area, lasted for an hour and led to the death of two innocent civilians.
It stated that arms and ammunition were recovered from the gunmen.
“A group of gunmen attacked Tai LGA of Rivers at about 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 2, blocking the major highway to motorists.
“The gunmen shot sporadically and harassed innocent motorists, which unfortunately led to the death of two persons before troops arrived at the scene.
“Upon arrival, our troops promptly engaged the gunmen, who later escaped but not without sustaining gunshot wounds.
“Therefore, the public should report anyone suspected to be having gunshot wounds to the nearest security agency in the area,” Lazarus said in the statement.
It said that the troops recovered an AK 47 rifle, one FN rifle, one G3 rifle and three Dane guns from the gunmen.
Also recovered, according to the statement, were two AK 47 magazines, one FN magazine, two G3 magazines, one handsaw and 180 rounds of assorted live ammunition.
The army also urged residents to return to their lawful activities as normalcy had been restored to the area.
