The Nigerian Military on Saturday reportedly continued its aerial clearance of militant bases and pipeline vandals in the Arepo area of Ogun State.

According to Punch, the attack started at about 12pm and lasted for about 30 minutes.

A fighter jet which hovered around the creek reportedly fired eight missiles.

Residents, who were caught unawares, ran for their lives due to the ground-shaking effects of the missiles.

Business activities were grounded and many residents fled their houses for fear of being hit by missiles.

A resident who was on the road when the shots were fired said the Saturday attack was more intense than previous air raids.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, she said, “The air raid started on Thursday evening. It was just a missile that was released, but the effect was serious. On Friday evening, another airplane which flew across the creek released gunfire which lasted for some minutes. I could hear the shots as if they were fired close at me. But the Thursday and Friday attacks were child’s play compared with that of today (Saturday).

“The aircraft releasing the missiles had three short wings with a sharp mouth. It maintained a visible presence in the sky and anytime it wanted to fire, it flew down as if it was about to crash. I never knew the military had such a weapon.”

Another resident, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, said he lay flat in his apartment during the Saturday attack.

He said, “I was alone in the house with my son. The boy shook with fright every time a missile landed. I carried him and lay flat on the floor. The missiles shook the whole ground. I am not sure if I would  continue to live here because of this. My landlord left with his family yesterday.”

The acting Director of Defence Information, Brig-General Rabe Abubakar, confirmed the air strikes.

He said, “The joint operation will continue until the area is secure and free from all forms of unwanted and criminal gangs whether they are militants or vandals.”

He gave the assurance that the military would ensure the destruction of more camps in the ongoing operation but declined to state the number of casualities.

He said, “No, we cannot confirm the exact casualty figure in the operation. There are so many camps, and we will continue to destroy them in that operation.

“We have taken some camps. The casualties cannot be confirmed but I know that we were able to target some of their camps and locations.”