Isa Ado, the spokesperson for the task force said “The location came under fierce attack and three of our soldiers, who were hit by bullets, died on their way to the hospital.

“There were so many casualties on the side of the militants, but we cannot precisely know the number.

“The morale of the troops remains high and the sacrifices of these soldiers shall never be in vain; we remain resolute in our determination to stamp out oil theft and illegalities in the Niger Delta region.

“These soldiers gave their lives for peace in the Niger Delta.”

The Niger Delta Avengers threatened to blow up more crude oil facilities until the Federal Government meets their demands.

The Nigeria Army has also vowed to crush the the new Nigeria Delta militant group.

See Pulse Photo-News gallery below.