Nigerian army issue FINAL warning to militants

The defense headquarters has issued a final warning to militants in the Niger Delta region to desist or face the wrath of the military.

Nigerian Army

Since President Muhammadu Buhari took over power, different militant groups have been terrorizing the Niger Delta region by blowing oil and gas pipelines.

Although the Niger Delta Avengers which has claimed responsibility for most of the attacks has agreed to a ceasefire, different mushroom groups have in a bid to make their voice heard have also embarked on destruction of pipelines.

One of the groups, Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate, recently issued a threat to residents living near oil and gas infrastructures to vacate the areas as they plan to carry out an attack that may likely destroy lives and properties in the area.

Nigerian Army

However, in a statement by Brigadier General Rabe Abubakar who is the acting director of defense information, the army warned that the group should desist as the president has agreed to dialogue with militants.

Read the statement below:

The Defense 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 Defense 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 proffer 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.