Rasaq AbdulKareem/
Combined Forces of the Nigerian Army and operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) have killed the militant who was linked to the murder of 23 citizens in Omoku, Rivers State, on New Year Day.
The Army announced in a statement that Don Wani was killed in a sting operation on Saturday, at about 5pm, in Enugu State.
The statement by the Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Six Division of the Nigerian Army, Colonel Aminu Iliyasu, says: “The authorities of 6 Division Nigerian Army Port Harcourt wish to inform the peace loving people of Omoku in ONELGA in particular, Rivers State and indeed the entire good people of Niger Delta in general that the notorious cult leader, kidnap kingpin and mass murderer Don Waney is dead.”
The outgoing General Officer Commanding Six Division, Port Harcourt, Maj.- Gen. Enobong Udoh, paraded the militants bodies with arms and ammunition seized from them today in Port Harcourt.
He said security agencies, complying with the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari, trailed Don Wani and his gang members to their hideouts in Enugu.
He said, “We are happy to inform that Don Waney, a notorious cultist, kidnap kingpin and mass murderer who masterminded the murder of 23 worshippers returning from cross over service is dead.
“We traced Wani and some of his gang members to their hideout in Enugu town where they rented apartment and lived with other people in the neighbourhood like normal people.
“The criminals were killed after a combined team of troops of 82 Division Army, Enugu and personnel of Department of State Security (DSS) raided his hideout to arrest him and his members.”
Udoh said the criminals on sighting the advance of security operatives to their residence attempted to escape through the back door of the apartment, but were shot by troops.
He added that others shot dead were Wani’s second-in-command, Ikechukwu Adiele, and another suspected gang member, Lucky Ode.
He said, “One of them died on the spot while the other two who sustained gunshot wounds eventually died on their way to the hospital.
“Intelligence showed that the gang was already perfecting plans to attack churches, schools; army and police locations and residents of Omoku town before the raid on his hideout.”
The GOC listed weapons recovered from the gang at their hideout as three AK 47 assault rifles and eight AK 47 magazines, among others.
The Commissioner of Rivers Police Command, Zaki Ahmed, said the successful operation was proof of the commitment of security agencies to rid the state of criminals.
Great job done. If these bastards have resolved to make law abiding citizens suffer, I am sure our able and effective law enforcement agencies shall continue dishing out necessary punishments deserving of their crimes. Kudos to the real good fighting forces.