One soldier was killed and three others wounded in the operation.
The gang leader was reported killed on Monday morning when troops repelled an attack launched by Ibori on the soldiers.
The attack was carried out in a hideout at Ajakpa, Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
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According to the Nigeria Army, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE acted in line with its mandate to rid Niger Delta of all criminal acts of militancy and kidnappings.
“The leader was gunned down during the gun duel, along with some of his gang members.
“His body was identified by some of the locals in the area. While search for other criminals who jumped into the water with gunshot wounds is ongoing, troops had recovered one AK-47 Rifle and 4 Magazines.’’
The Army said that criminal gangs led by late Ibori have been terrorising parts of Lagos, Ogun and Ondo states prior to this operation.
“They committed many atrocities threatening the peace and security of the general areas.
“Last month, the gang kill an army captain and two policemen at Ikorodu. Also late last year, abducted students and staff of a secondary school.
“The criminals in addition, carried out several attacks at Ese-Odo community around Ajakpa, Safarogbo and Balowo areas.”
Maj. Abubakar Abdullahi, Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre, said in a statement that there was the need to flush them out from their hide-out to ensure peace and security.
He said that the wounded soldiers have been moved to military hospital for proper medical attention.
“While the operation is on-going, let me appeal to law abiding residents of the affected communities to remain calm, vigilant and support our troops with valuable information on whereabouts of other criminals.’’
(NAN)