The Nigerian Army 2 Brigade based in Port Harcourt issued a statement confirming an attack and death of an army officer suspected to be a major and one soldier in an encounter with gunmen suspected to be sea pirates.

“About 11:00 am today Thursday 17 March 16, troops on Patrol in Abonema, Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State had a fierce encounter with a group of unknown gunmen suspected to be sea pirates. Our men displayed extraordinary gallantry," Captain Eli Lazarus, the Assistant Army Public Relations Officer of 2 Brigade said in the statement.

“Unfortunately, an officer and a soldier who sustained various degrees of injury during the encounter lost their lives. We are in pursuit of the criminals and we will surely get them. All law abiding citizens are urged to remain calm and advised to go about their lawful activities.

“The army will continue to make necessary sacrifices to ensure sustainable peace and security of lives and property of every one in the state,” Captain Eli Lazarus said.