Col. Sani Usman, the Director of Army Public Relations, who confirmed the incident in a statement, however, said the troops killed two of the militants in the attack which occurred on Saturday morning.

According to him, the other militants escaped with gunshot wounds.

He said the attackers also burnt a buffalo pick up vehicle.

Usman said that two soldiers earlier declared missing in the attack were found when reinforcement was sent to the area.

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He said that the militants came in several speed boats and attacked troops deployed at Efut Esighi waterfront in Bakassi.

“The troops’ location has been reinforced with more gunboats and air component. The clearance and pursuit operation is ongoing.

“We would like to assure the public that this singular act would not deter us from the discharge of our duties.

“Therefore, the perpetrators of this dastardly act would be found and brought to justice.

“The Nigerian Army wishes to send an unequivocal warning to all the criminal elements in the society that intend to attack any of its locations to have a rethink,’’ Usman said.