Gunmen disguised as priests in white robes and red caps invaded Nembe town in Bayelsa State, killing three soldiers and have stolen their weapons at a jetty in the oil-rich Niger Delta, a traditional ruler has said. 


The attack came just days after 11 soldiers lost their lives in an ambush by armed bandits in the north of the country.  

Security officials said at least three gunboats may have been seized in the latest attack. The soldiers killed were part of ”Operation Crocodile Tears”, which is trying to secure oil facilities in the Niger Delta. 

The attack took place at the jetty where about a year ago five soldiers and a policeman were killed and their weapons seized by the gunmen.