LAGOS, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The Nigerian military destroyed another militant camp in its on-going operation to restore stability in the oil rich Niger Delta region, the News Agency of Nigeria reported on Wednesday.

    The Joint Military Taskforce (JTF) destroyed an observation camp with a house boat hidden in a dredged creek, the report said, citing the military.

    Rabe Abubakar, the JTF spokesman, said the camp was between Okerenkoko and Jones Creek village in Warri South-West Local Government of Delta.

    It belonged to militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, who is currently on the run, Abubakar was quoted as saying on Tuesday.

    He said from the blood stains found, the camp must have been used as an emergency treatment center for wounded militants.

    The spokesman reiterated that the JTF did not kill or burn civilian houses in its search and rescue operation as being alleged by the militants.

    "We are carrying out our legitimate duty of making the Niger Delta free from all forms of criminality," he said.

    Abubakar noted the state chapter of Red Cross Society of Nigeria also confirmed the JTF position that no civilian house was bombed in the operation.

    He said it was normal for civilians to run on sighting armed men or hearing the sounds of guns, urging members of the public not to be sentimental on security issues.

    Abubakar said the operation was still on. "We are still looking for our missing colleagues and the remaining expatriates," he said.

    The military launched Operation Restore Hope on May 13 with the resolve to uproot militants who have turned the region into a crime haven in the past three years, with more than 200 foreigners kidnapped and oil pipelines blown up.