This is a statement issued by Rabe Abubakar, Brigadier General, Acting Director Defence Information: The Defence Headquarters wishes to alert the general public of the
disturbing spate of how various militant groups are springing up in the
Niger Delta with each of them hiding under regional agitation to commit
all manners of crimes and atrocities.
The latest being the Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate (NDGJM) that
claimed responsibility for blowing up NNPC oil pipeline few days ago.
The same group has come out again, demanding residents living near oil
and gas infrastructure to vacate their homes to avoid being caught in
its next attacks.
The Defence Headquarters wishes to state, in clear term, that no group
or individual has the right to threaten or force residents in any part
of Nigeria to abandon their homes in obeisance to certain group’s
selfish and devilish interest.
It is more worrisome that despite the Federal Government’s olive branch
to broker peace and profer solution to the lingering Niger Delta
problem, some groups are still fanning the ember of war. The military
and other security agencies would remain focused, un-intimidated and
will display professionalism in ensuring adequate security to lives and
property.
While the Armed Forces respect the Government’s negotiation with
relevant stakeholders in the Niger Delta, the military exercise and
operations in the area are not targeted at any group or meant towards
making lives difficult for the inhabitants. The ongoing exercise is
geared towards enhancing civil-military relationship and building the
confidence of the resident on the ability of the military to protect
them. The exercise also demonstrates the strength of the troops to purge
the region of criminals and economic saboteurs. The Armed Forces would
not tolerate any form of criminality in that region.
The military and other security agencies wish to therefore re-affirm
their total commitment to ensure security of lives and property, not
only in the Niger Delta, but throughout the federation. We also solicit
the cooperation of all the stakeholders, including the royal fathers,
leaders and youths to achieve this feat. We urge public, especially
those residing in the Niger Delta, to discountenance the threat and
request innocent citizens and those domiciled therein to go about their
legitimate businesses.
No comments:
Post a comment
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the comment writers only and does not exhibit the views of Bjay Ademola.