The Bayelsa State Government has condemned the attack on Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps by militants suspected to be oil thieves.
The attack, which took place in Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state, saw one of the NSCDC operatives kidnapped by the oil thieves.
However, it was learnt that through the efforts of the community, the kidnapped security operative was rescued from the militants.
First News gathered that the gunmen launched an ambush on the security men and engaged them in a gun duel for about an hour.
In a statement on Thursday, after a meeting at Government House with NSCDC officials, community leaders and stakeholders from the area, the state Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, implored leaders of various communities to support the security operatives to end criminality in the state.
He assured the NSCDC that the government would leave no stone unturned to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators.
“Our community leaders should understand that they also have a lot of responsibilities.
“As a CDC chairman, you have a duty to protect government facilities in your community.
“Your duty as youth president includes identifying criminal elements in the community and reporting them to the CDC chairman, the ruler, elders of the community, and even security agencies, and not to share in royalties,” Ewhrudjakpo said.