BY EMMA AMAIZE
WARRI—Former militants and sea pirates operating on Nembe and Ogbia waterways in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, have fled their camps, following a crackdown on them by Joint Military Task Force, JTF, code named “Operation Pulo Shield”.

One of the fleeing former militants, who was among those agitating for inclusion in the post-amnesty programme told Vanguard in Warri, Wednesday, “Many of us have fled from Bayelsa State because JTF is ransacking everywhere after the killing of four military men and four policemen last week.

Vanguard, gathered, that apart from former militants and suspected sea pirates, a lot of youths in most of the riverside communities in Southern Ijaw council had fled their communities as a result of the siege to the waterways by the task force.

A former militant leader, identified as “General” Victor Gbekegbeke, spoke to Vanguard, claimed to be the leader of a 200-man strong band that killed the military men.

He said they would continue with their renewed attacks on the waterways until the Federal Government incorporated them in the post-amnesty programme.

He spoke confidently, claiming, he was fortified in his mission by Egbesu, the Ijaw god of war because he was fighting a just battle.

Gbekegbeke also boasted that bullet could not penetrate his body, adding that he will keep in touch with the reporter on further development.