The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Joint Task Force (JTF)

  • Niger Delta Youth leader condemns armed attack on JTF troops

    Mr Kennedy West, a Youth Leader in the Niger Delta has condemned armed attack on troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) and commisserated with the military over loss of life in the incident.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that JTF troops had repelled an attack by militants and killed a suspected militant leader in a shoot-out with the bandits in Ondo State on April 30.

    Spokesman of the Joint Force, Maj. Abubakar Abudullahi, had confirmed the development and said that a soldier was killed and three others injured during the shoot-out.

    Reacting to the development, West, who is also the Senior Special Assistant to Bayelsa Governor on Niger Delta Youth Matters, told NAN in an interview on Sunday in Yenagoa that the attack was regrettable.

    He noted that the attack came at a time the efforts of the military at restoring and sustaining peace and reducing criminality in the region were yielding fruits.

    West further condoled with the Commander of JTF, Rear Admiral Suleiman Apochi and the family of the slain soldier and advised residents in the area to assist the military in fishing out fleeing militants behind the dastardly act.

    “The attack coming at a time the JTF had achieved so much in terms of maintaining relative peace in the region is very sad, because the peace in the region had been boosting the confidence of investors.

    “The community people should assist the military to track the militants because they are not only a threat to the military but they pose greater danger to the innocent population, it is even more condemnable due to efforts by stakeholders to change the perception of investors.

    “Our people in the Niger Delta region should understand that violence has no benefit to the region.

    “We have seen what has been achieved within the months of peace in terms of Federal Government’s commitment towards development of the region” West said.

    He noted that stakeholders in the region were working tirelessly with the government and security agencies to guarantee conducive atmosphere for development and urged the military to remain focused and not allow the incident to dampen their morale.

    West further urged the JTF to enlighten residents in the affected areas that the military was in the area to isolate the deviants and protect the people.

     

  • Ex-JTF commander donated N35m to church, EFCC alleges

    Ex-JTF commander donated N35m to church, EFCC alleges

    The Federal High Court in Lagos Friday heard that a former Joint Task Force (JTF) commander Major-General Emmanuel Atewe allegedly donated N35million to a church.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleged that the money was part of N19.7billion fraudulent diverted by the defendants.

    An EFCC witness, Ahidjo Ikem, said the money was donated to the Living Faith Church.

    Ikem is the Managing Director of five companies charged with Atewe.

    They are standing trial along with former Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Director-General Dr. Patrick Akpolobokemi, Kime Engonzu and Josephine Otuaga.

    They were arraigned on an amended 22 count-charge with Jaggan Limited, Jaggan Trading Company Limited, Jaggan Global Services Limited, Al-Nald Limited, Paper Warehouse Limited, Eastpoint Integrated Services Limited and De-Newlink Integrated Services Limited.

    Testifying before Justice Ayokunle Faji, the witness said Atewe laundered N4.9billion using the five companies.

    Ikem said he came in contact Atewe at the Villa Church where they both worship, when the JTF Commander was the Guard Brigade Commander.

    He said between July and September 2014, Atewe became the JTF Commander and invited him to Balyesa State.

    He said Atewe told him that he had been give a contract by the Federal Government for the maintenance of security and building of barracks.

    He said Atewe asked him if he had a company, as the money for the contract would be paid into its account. He said he gave Atewe the account details of the five companies.

    Ikem said his companies had no contractual agreement with JTF, neither was he a registered contractor nor supplied any goods or rendered any service to JTF.

    The witness said three days after his visit to Balyesa, he received alerts.

    He said when Atewe came to Abuja, he met him at Niger Barracks, where he was introduced to Engonzu (the third accused person), and said any money he received should be handed over to him.

    Ikem said he received N4.9billion, which he changed to $21,500,000 USD, from a Bureau De Change (BDC) operator named Jimoh.

    He said he handed the money to Engozu.

    The witness said he collected $950, 000 USD from one Chijioke, who is also a good friend of Atewe and gave it to Engozu.

    According to the witness, N4.1billion was converted to dollars out of N4, 915,163,103; the remaining balance was given to some companies and a church on Atewe’s orders.

    He said N35 million was paid to Living Faith Church, N103 million was paid to INP Limited, N107 million to First Investment Limited, while Lord Firm Limited, Ocean Gas, and Sisco Nobort were paid N99 million, N88 million and N297 million.

    Justice Faji adjourned till March 21, 22 and 23.

  • JTF to hold surveillance contractors responsible for breached pipelines

    The Commander, Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Delta Safe (ODS), Rear Admiral Suleiman Apochi, has vowed to hold pipeline surveillance contractors responsible for any breach of trunklines within their domains.

    Apochi, who was visibly angry at the ongoing attacks on pipelines despite the presence of surveillance contractors, said any of them caught napping at their Areas of Responsibility would not escape the wrath of the outfit.

    Speaking to the contractors and representatives of oil companies in an emergency meeting at the ODS headquarters, Yenagoa, Apochi urged the contractors to be proactive in carrying out their functions.

    Apochi further warned oil companies to monitor and repair any of their aged pipelines adding that the mandate of ODS was centered on the protection of oil and gas Installations prevent/deter criminalities among others.

    In the meeting that lasted several hours, the commander dwelt on cooperation between pipeline workers and pipeline maintenance groups; issues of breakage of pipeline within contractors’ areas of responsibilities and liabilities of surveillance contractors.

    He said:  “It has been revealed that some of their workers connive with criminals to commit vandalism therefore, a detailed knowledge of your workers is as important as the responsibility of protecting these critical national assets”.

    He appealed to oil companies to closely monitor the activities of their contractors  adding that firms, whose employees were found wanting, would be held accountable for any breached pipelines.

    He asked the host communities to work closely with surveillance contractors in the protection of pipelines in their environment.

    He said: “Operation Delta Safe will continue to ensure the interest of communities as entered into by oil companies in the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMOU).

    “No community should take law into its hands by blocking the operations of oil companies. Communities must not harbour criminals who fled scene of crime to hide communities”.

    Apochi said the essence of the meeting was for all stakeholders in the oil and gas business to forge a common front in the protection of national assets at their domains.

    “There must be clear courts identification of those not doing their duties from criminally minded elements.  We must draw a line between sincerity and pretence here.

    “Troops of Operation Delta Safe are here to protect those installations and not to witch-hunt anybody or group of people. Hence criminals must be identified to face the wrath of the law”, be said.

    Responding, some of the surveillance contractors thanked the commander for the meeting which they observed held last in 2003.

    They, however, requested oil companies to provide the necessary equipment to enable them effectively perform their functions.

    They further noted that some companies reneged on their obligations in GMoU adding that some oil firms were fueling crisis in communities through their tactics of divide and rule.

    But, they promised to work closely with Joint Task Force to ensure sanity of pipelines in the region.

    Present at the meeting were representatives of Bayelsa State Government officials of oil and gas, security agencies, surveillance contractors and representative of International oil companies.

  • Troops recover cache of arms, ammunition in N’Delta

    Troops recover cache of arms, ammunition in N’Delta

    Troops of Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Delta Safe (ODS), have arrested 10 suspected militants terrorizing various creeks in the Niger Delta region.

    The troops were said to have intercepted and recovered cache of arms and ammunition in one of their operations in Cross River State, that led to the arrest of the militants.

    The new Commander, ODS, Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman, said that in the Cross River operation, troops of Sector 4 acting promptly on a tip-off  intercepted a gang of militants robbing innocent traders around Ikang axis.

    The victims were said to be conveying bags of rice from Cameroon in wooden boats when two flying boats of militants armed with sophisticated weapons ambushed them.

    But the troops reportedly stormed the area, isolated the eight-man gang of militants and engaged them in a gun battle that lasted over 15 minutes.

    While seven of the militants were said to have escaped with various degrees of bullet wounds, one of the hoodlums identified as Mr. Kingsley Effiong Essien, was arrested.

    It was gathered that a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) was mounted in one of the flying boats used by the militants.

    Suleiman listed items, arms and ammunition recovered from the militants as two speed boats, two General Purpose Machine Gun, 200 Horsepower boat Engine (HP), two 150 Horsepower boat Engine, one 75 HP Engine boat and one small wooden boat mounted with 9.9 HP Engine.

    Others are three AK47 magazines, 306 rounds of GPMG 7.62 millimeter (mm), Browning  Machine Gun (BMG) ammunition, one round of 12.7 millimeter BMG feeding tray, three empty ammunition boxes, one dagger knife, empty cases and links.

    Also recovered were six touch light, seven tins of magi, two school bags, three tecno handsets, one Nokia handset, two Etisalat sim cards, two Airtel lines, one memory cards and charms.

    Four military camouflage jackets, one Nigerian Navy head warmer, Camel bag (water bottle), four big raps of Indian hemp, packets of condoms and 12.7 millimeters BMG rounds and accessories, were further seized from the militants.

    It was further learnt that the troops raided militant shrine at Ube Okobo in Akwa Ibom State owned by a notorious militant leader.

    Though the militant leader was said to be on the run, the troops arrested six fleeing suspected militants.

    Also, troops raided militant camp at Bilabiri community following a tip-off and nabbed four suspected militant.

    Suleiman said since he assumed the command of ODS on November 16, his determination to sustain and improve on the pace introduced by his predecessor, Rear Admiral Joseph Okojie, yielded successes.

    He said the ODS would continue to live up to its mandates of protecting oil and gas infrastructure and preventing militancy, sea robber, crude oil theft and other forms of criminal activities in Bayelsa, Rivers, Ondo, Akwa Ibom and Cross Rivers states.

    “ODS is primarily here to protect and preserve national oil and gas installations.  But I must also warn that criminals will have no hiding place in the region.  Few disgruntled elements will no longer be allowed to hold this nation to ransom”, he said.

    He said the security and economic challenges in the country required concerted efforts of everybody including the press.

    He appealed to the journalists not to fall into the traps of helping the militants and other criminals to propagate their nefarious activities.

    Suleiman insisted that the media had a major role to play in the war against militancy following their closeness to members of the public.

    He also thanked members of the public for their cooperation in providing timely information to the troops and assured them of their safety.

    “Operation Delta Safe will continue to ensure the sanity of the Niger Delta region even in this Yuletide season”, he said.

  • Kogi Assembly calls for sustenance of JTF in crisis areas

    Kogi Assembly calls for sustenance of JTF in crisis areas

    The Kogi House of Assembly has urged the Kogi Government to sustain security through the Joint Task Force (JTF) which comprises of the army and other security agencies’ personnel in order to secure lives and property in crisis areas in the state.

    The call is part of the resolution of the House following the adoption of a Motion of Urgent Public Importance which urged the government to curb unwarranted killings and destruction of property raised by Mr Sunday Shigaba (PDP-Bassa) at plenary on Friday.

    The motion was sequel to the eruption of communal clashes between Bassa-Kwomu and Egbura-Mozum both of Bassa Local Government in Kogi where many lives were lost and properties worth millions of Naira were destroyed.

    Presenting the motion, Shigaba said that the crisis which erupted between the hours of 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Nov. 27 in Kpanche village claimed more than 10 lives, according to official report.

    The lawmaker said that a corpse was discovered in the bush following sprout of smell, adding that the casualty figure was not exhaustive as corpses of victims caught up in uninhabited places could still not be found.

    He said that the crisis, casualty figure of which was put at over 40 by unofficial reports, came at a time when people were passing through economic hardships resulting from recession which was taking its toll on the people.

    Shigaba described the consequences of the crisis as “colossal self-imposed loss and socio-political and economic imprisonment” that was avoidable if only the key actors in the crisis had accorded themselves mutual respect.

    Most disturbing of the crisis, according to him, is the fact that the security personnel (the Joint-Task-Force) in the race to quell the crisis got involved in an auto crash which left eight personnel injured and are presently hospitalised in Dekina and Lokoja.

    He commended Gov. Yahaya Bello and security agencies for the swift and timely response “which substantially helped in bringing the crisis under control” and commiserated with the army and the police for the injured personnel.

    Shibaga in his prayers, however urged government to sustain the presence of the task force team in the area pending the return of normalcy and urged that similar gesture be accorded all crisis-ridden areas in the state.

    Seconding the motion, Mr Godwin Osiyi (PDP-Ogori-Magongo) described the situation as a sad one, saying it was not healthy for communal clashes to become a recurring decimal in an area as it would retard development.

    The Speaker of the House, Alhaji Umar Imam, condemned the bloody clash between the two sister communities, saying that the loss of lives and property was unfortunate and commended the timely intervention of the governor and security agents.

    Imam thereafter put the question and following overwhelming support of members, adopted the motion along with the amendments.

  • Bush burning caused pipeline explosion in Delta – JTF

    The Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Delta Safe (ODS), said Monday that the recent pipeline explosion that occurred around Otu-Jeremi, Ughelli, Delta State, was caused by bush burning.

    Clarifying the incident, JTF’s Deputy Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre (JMCC), Lt. Com. Thomas Otuji, said heat from the bush burning ruptured the pipeline belonging to Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC).

    Otuji asked members of the public to disregard a statement from a militant group, Greenland Justice Mandate (GJM), which claimed responsibility for the incident.

    He said: “There was no attack on the pipeline. What happened was that bush burning ignited an old pipeline”.

    The pipeline, which was said to be a few meters away from Otorogu Gas Plant, a multimillion naira project,  exploded and went up in flames at about 6.40am on Sunday.

  • JTF raids militants’ camp in Delta

    JTF raids militants’ camp in Delta

    The Joint Task Force (JTF) code-named ”Operation Delta Safe” on Thursday raided a suspected militants’ camp in Okosugbene along the Burutu/Warri in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta.

    A source told newsmen in Warri that the military personnel stormed the camp with two Fighter Jets and about eight Gunboats at about 6 a.m.

    The camp was said to be an abandoned hideout used by the former militant group, Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) and now occupied by sea pirates.

    The JTF were said to have acted on a tip-off on a raid that lasted for about an hour.

    ”Information about casualties is still unknown.

    ”The raid caused tension among dwellers of riverine communities as residents fled for safety,” the source said.

    The Sector (1) Commander of the JTF, Col. Alhassan Grema, confirmed the raid but declined to give details.

     

  • Troops dismantle militant camps in Bayelsa, Cross River

    Troops dismantle militant camps in Bayelsa, Cross River

    Troops of Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Delta Safe (ODS), has dislodged unrepentant militants from their various camps in the creeks of Bayelsa and Cross River states.

    The troops, it was gathered, stormed many creeks in the Niger Delta region, destroying illegal refineries and clamping down on suspected oil thieves in a widened onslaught against oil-related crimes.

    The troops were said to have discovered and destroyed an active militant camp at the creeks of Isunkiri in Bayelsa.

    They reportedly recovered items such as two laptops, a hammer, Philippino currency note and coins, one plasma TV, one DVD player, saw blades,  four Motorola hand held radios, two R2 GMDS radios and four mobile phones.

    Others are five radio chargers, five motorola Radio batteries and one foreign ATM card, two sim cards, one civil helmet, pair of fire-fighting uniform, one GMI radio and documents/identity cards belonging to one Mr Roberto Bacariza Jr (Philippino).

    The troops also found civil clothes, four pairs of Swire pacific offshore overall uniform, two boxes of drugs, two foreign passports, one ladder, one blue colour speed boat mounted with 115 Horse power with inscription VIP on it and one 75 Horse power engine, light blue coloured fibre.

    The Media Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre (JMCC), Lt. Col. Olaolu Dauda confirmed the development and said a similar raid took place at creeks in Cross River.

    He said following a tip-off, troops dismantled a militant camp at Harrison Kiri, Liberty, Evil forest, Virgin forest, Opuru fishing port, Wangwa fishing port and Zion city.

    “At Harrison camp, suspected militant fled on sighting troops. They are being trailed. Similarly, troops raided Bukuma Jetty and arrested three suspected militants and one Cotonou boat laden with illegally refined Automated Gas Oil”, he said.

    Dauda also confirmed that troops of ODS widened the scope of its war against oil theft and other criminal activities in all the states of the region.

    In Bayelsa, he said: “Troops on anti-illegal bunkering operations in Obi creek Epelepele Community of Brass Local Government Area, Bayelsa State discovered and destroyed a bunkering camp.

    “Following a tip off, Mr Kelly Ikurusi, Mr Dokubo Erempagamo, Mr Orifie Borto and Mr George Friday AKA Yellow 1 were arrested.  Yellow 1 is said to be among the militants who attacked and killed own troops on 8 August 2016 at Nembe.  The four suspects are undergoing preliminary investigations.

    “Troops while on foot patrol discovered suspected criminal hideout around Biogbolo Secondary School in Yenagoa metropolis.

    “The area was cordoned and subsequently searched.  Troops also discovered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) placed on a riser with the intention of blasting it. The IED was diffused as troops provided security.

    “Troops also discovered an illegal refinery site at Borokiri general area where bunkerers engage in massive loading of illegally refined AGO.  One container truck with registration number AWK 119 ZL loaded with 50 drums concealed behind bags of flours were impounded.

    “Toops while on anti-illegal bunkering operations at Adokeye Amah general area in Okrika discovered three illegal oil refining sites with 25 cooking pots and two large tank farms.

    “Items recovered include; three pumping machines and two welding machines. Also troops discovered reactivated illegal oil refineries which were destroyed”.

    Dauda disclosed that the Nigerian Navy Ship JUBILEE foiled a kidnap attempt by gunmen led by the suspected leader of a cult group popularly referred to as “Icelander” at Entebe community in Akwa Ibom State.

    He said the gunmen on sighting the Naval gunboats, fled the scene.

    He said: “It was also reported that sea robbers operating from Eastern Obolo attacked and kidnapped unspecified number of persons on a ship at sea.  Troops of NNS JUBILEE are on the trail of the kidnappers for possible rescue.

    “Also troops at FOB FORMOSO stationed at Nembe creek repelled saboteurs who tried to vandalize and steal a control unit from a Well Head 72 operated by AITED Company. Vandals abandoned their tools on sighting troops.

    “Operation Delta Safe will continue to ensure sanity of the Niger Delta Region as law abiding members of the public go about their legitimate daily businesses.

    “The Acting Commander Brigadier General Kevin Aligbe wishes to appreciate members of the public for their continuous cooperation, timely provision of information to troops and re-assure residents and oil companies operating in the Niger Delta region of their safety as they go about their legitimate businesses”.

  • Troops intensify operations to flush out N’Delta militants

    Troops have been massively deployed in the creeks of the Niger Delta region to hunt down militants disturbing the peace of the region and bombing oil installations despite ongoing dialogue.

    It was gathered that the deployment was made by the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Delta Safe (ODS), following concerns that militants were still attacking oil pipelines in spite of peace talks between stakeholders of the region and the Federal Government.

    The troops, it was learnt, were asked to identify and dismantle all the active militant camps used as operational bases by the hoodlums.

    They were also directed to patrol the creeks, monitor vessels on the waterways and conduct stop-and-search operations on suspicious speedboats.

    At one of the creeks identified as Sand-Sand Fishing Camp in Nembe, it was gathered that the troops came in contact with unrepentant members of a militant group who were making efforts to activate a dismantled militant camp.

    A source from the ODS who spoke in confidence said the militants were trying to reactivate the camp to use it as a satellite base to constantly attack oil facilities located at the Nembe-Brass waterways.

    He said the troops after gathering enough intelligence burst the camp and in the process confronted the militants in gun battle.

    “It was not an easy operation because the militants were armed to the teeth. But we overpowered them and killed one of their leaders, popularly known as Edoboy. We are still pursuing others who fled into the creeks”, he said.

    The source further added that most of the fleeing militants were fond of running into communities to make the operations of the troops difficult.

    “They run into the communities whenever they are being pursued and mix up making it difficult to identify them. The communities are always afraid to identify them and most times, these hoodlums use them to make statements accusing JTF of violating their human rights.

    “We are very professional and will not engage in any action or conduct that will drag the name of the military in the mud”, he said.

    But the indigenes of the Sand-Sand community claimed that the troops invaded their community under the guise of looking for militants.

    They accused the military of destroying scores of houses, churches and schools during the incident.

    One of the indigenes, Chief Dede Francis, claimed that residents deserted the community alleging that displaced persons were suffering in bushes and neighbouring communities.

    “We tried talking to them but it was futile. After hours of intimidation, they told us that some suspected members of the Niger Delta Avengers were chased into our community. They claimed there were exchanges of gun fire with their personnel by the suspected Avengers from the community.

    “The invasion and search however left buildings, schools and churches destroyed‎. Only a school building was left standing. We are shocked. The so-called Avengers did not enter our community”, he said.

    But the Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre (JMCC) of the ODS, Lt. Col. Olaolu Dauda, faulted the claims of Francis describing it as a big lie.

    He said the true position of the operation at the Sand-Sand community, had been widely reported by the media.

    He added that militants and persons, who were making bloody capital from the activities of hoodlums, were behind the claims that troops invaded the community and destroyed houses and churches.

    Referring to a statement earlier issued on the operation by ODS, Olaolu said: “Troops of Sector 2, Bayelsa State, in conjunction with Special Forces conducted patrols at Sand-sand Fishing Camp and uncovered attempts by militants to reactivate an earlier-destroyed camp.

    “The troops engaged the suspected militants and killed one of them popularly called ‘Edoboy’.

    He was one of the notorious kinpins on the wanted list of security agencies who had been terrorizing innocent members of the communities in the area”.

    Also,a Nembe Chief, Wilfred Ogbotobo, asked the ODS to do everything professionally possible to flush out militants from the Niger Delta creeks.

    According to him criminals should not be pampered and any dialogue with militants amount to treating a full-blown criminality with kid gloves.

    He said: “With the quantum of weighty challenges confronting the nation at the moment, the Buhari administration does not have the luxury of time and resources for hopeless, hypocritical frolics with every lunatic group that springs from the creeks and other parts of the Niger Delta.

    “Instead, the federal government should consolidate the successes so far recorded and expand the overall capacity of the Operation Crocodile Smile to restore law and order in the region, for the government to fast track meaningful developmental measures immediately”.

     

  • Delta: Militants attack same facility twice in six days

    Delta: Militants attack same facility twice in six days

    The Trans-Forcados Export trunk line in the Batan fields, Warri South-West council area of Delta state, has been attacked again, less than one week after a similar incident.

    Tuesday’s attack was however a failed attempt as the explosive planted on the trunk-line, which was believed to be the main target of the operation, failed to go off. The explosive planted on a barge within the area went off, creating a loud explosion.

    The Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) -operated oil facility was earlier attacked last week Wednesday, November 2, few hours after leaders and other stakeholders of the oil-rich Niger Delta region met with President Muhammadu Buhari, to discuss ways to peace and development of the region.

    However, the attack in the early hours of yesterday, which was yet to be claimed by any group or individual as at the time of filing this report, reportedly occurred at about 1 am and almost claimed the lives of the community surveillance team, which was detailed to watch over the facilities.

    According to the chairman of Batan Community, Dickson Ogugu, the invaders of the facility, on getting to the site of the facility, opened fire on the community surveillance team, chasing them out of the area before settling down to plant explosives on a couple of facilities in the area.

    “The line which was undergoing repair after the previous attack on November 2 was billed for commissioning either today or tomorrow. Though the surveillance team narrowly escaped the attack after they were shot at, the hoodlums after chasing them from the spot came down from their speedboats, planted dynamites on swamp boogie, barge, crane and on the line.

    “Unfortunately, the dynamite on the barge exploded and immediately sank into the water. As I speak to you, the military are at the scene of the incident trying to dismantle the other dynamites”, Ogugu said.

    Also confirming the incident, a security source said “we heard the shots in the middle of the night, but as you know, we do not patrol the area at night, so there was nothing we could do”.

    Efforts to get an official confirmation and details on the development were yet unfruitful as at the time of filing this report.

    While both the Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, Commodore Joseph Dzunve, and the Commander of the Sector 1, Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Delta Safe (ODS), Colonel Alhassan Grema, were unreachable through their mobile telephones yesterday, the spokesman of the ODS, Lieutenant Colonel Olaolu Daudu, requested for one hour to get back.

    When called back after an hour, the ODS spokesman could not be reached.