2 Soldiers Killed, 1 Likely Kidnapped, From Houseboat In Azagbene Creek Area of Nigeria

July 22: At approx. 16:00 LT, an unknown number of suspected militants reportedly attacked troops deployed at SPDC houseboat in the Azagbene community, Ekeremor LGA of Bayelsa State. Two soldiers confirmed killed, while one is currently missing, presumed kidnapped. Unspecified weapons also reportedly stolen. Joint Task Force response currently in progress.

This follows within a week of a sighting of a suspicious vessel in territorial waters off FPSO Sea Eagle, Nigeria. On the same day as the sighting, a militant group issued an ultimatum to SPDC. The group gave SPDC 14 days to vacate the EA field and mentioned “Sea Eagle” in their statement, intimating violent consequences if their demands were not met.