Soldiers Raid Ex Millitant Osama Bin Laden in Rivers

Soldiers of the 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army has raided two separate houses of a former militant leader, Chief Solomon Ndigbara aka Osama Bin Laden over alleged gun running and kidnapping.

Ndigbara’s houses in Bua-Yeghe, Gokana LGA of Rivers State was raided on Sunday, while his home in Port Harcourt was ransacked on Monday.

The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Captain Eli Lazarus, confirmed the arrest in a statement.

“Men of 2 Brigade Nigerian Army relying on credible intelligence conducted a raid operation on Sunday 11 January 2016 on the residence of one Mr. Solo also known as “General Solo” in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State.

“Mr. Solomon Ndigbara is suspected of gun running and kidnapping activities. Sadly, supporters of the suspect mobilised and staged a protest against the raid.”

“During the protest, several property belonging to the suspect and other innocent citizens were destroyed. Investigation into the suspected criminal activities of Mr. Solomon is ongoing.”

“The Brigade enjoins all law-abiding citizens in the area to go about their lawful activities as the military will continue to work assiduously to ensure the protection of lives and property of all.”

Sources said the whereabouts of Ndigbara’s wife, Kate, and his two younger brothers identified as Bariagan and Gabriel Ndigbara remained unknown after the soldiers’ operation.

It was learnt that the soldiers destroyed two vehicles; a Toyota Sienna and Lexus SUV, even as sources said that some rooms in Ndigbara’s Bua-Nyeghe home were ransacked while some property inside the rooms were damaged.

In his reaction, the Chairman of Gokana Local Government Area, Mr. Austin Sor, described the operation as an onslaught, shocking and unwarranted.