A commander of the military Joint Task Force codenamed Operation Restore Hope, is said to be missing alongside two soldiers while on a rescue mission to Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State on Thursday, March 14.
Three other soldiers and a civilian were said to sustained gunshot injuries when the JTF team led by a commander identified as Major Shafa. A, were on their way to Okuama on a gunboat to rescue a hostage suspected to be held in the community.
Sources said the troops were ambushed by armed men suspected to be from Okuama, who reportedly captured the commander and two soldiers in a surprise attack.
There are fears for the safety of the Army Major and the two soldiers, but it was learnt that the injured civilian and three soldiers have been evacuated to the General Hospital in Bomadi, headquarters of Bomadi Local Government Area of the state.
Meanwhile unconfirmed reports indicated that a reinforcement of troops stormed Okuama on Friday, March 15, to rescue the missing commander and two soldiers with residents fleeing the community.
Okuama had been engaged in hostilities with neighbouring Okoloba community in Bomadi Local Government Area of the state with allegations of abduction, stock-pilling of arms and hiring of mercenaries leveled against the former.
The JTF operatives were said to be on a verification and rescue mission to Okuama on Thursday, when the incident occurred.
