TheCable

The Nigerian army on Monday urged Rivers residents to report anyone found with fresh bullet wound to security agencies.

Eli Lazarus, assistant director, army public relations, 2 brigade, Port Harcourt, said this in a statement.

The statement said the military was searching for hoodlums who engaged troops in a shootout in Tai local government area on Saturday.

The shooting, which lasted for an hour, reportedly led to the death of two civilians.

“A group of gunmen attacked Tai LGA of Rivers at about 9 am on Saturday, June 2, blocking the major highway to motorists,” the statement read.

“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.”

It said 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.