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Tag: Militants

  • Militants, vandals, sponsors must face the law, says Buhari

    Militants, vandals, sponsors must face the law, says Buhari

    With the escalating attacks and bombing of oil and power installations in the Niger Delta region, President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday said that the militants, vandals and sponsors involved will not go unpunished.

    He however said that the ongoing attacks will not stop dialogue with the Nigeria Delta leaders towards finding a lasting solution to the crisis.

    This was part of his 30 minutes National Broadcast marking his one year in office and Democracy Day.

    The President described the last one year as a year of triumph, consolidation, pains and achievements, noting that the people have proved inherently good, industrious tolerant, patient and generous despite the many years of hardship and disappointment.

    Buhari disclosed that a significant part of the looted funds have been recovered by the government.

    The President therefore directed the Ministry of Information to publish the details and regurlar give updates to the public when new recoveries are made.

    The recovered funds, he said, will be openly and transparently used in funding developmental projects.

    He said: “The recent spate of attacks by militants disrupting oil and power installations will not distract us from engaging leaders in the region in addressing Niger Delta problems. If the militants and vandals are testing our resolve, they are much mistaken. We shall apprehend the perpetrators and their sponsors and bring them to justice.

    “The policy measures and actions taken so far are not to be seen as some experiment in governance. We are fully aware that those vested interests who have held Nigeria back for so long will not give up without a fight.

    “They will sow divisions, sponsor vile press criticisms at home and abroad, incite the public in an effort to create chaos rather than relinquish the vice-like grip they have held on Nigeria.” He added

    He however said that his administration is committed to implementing the United Nations Environment Programme report and advancing clean-up operations.
    Harping on a sustainable approach to address the issues affecting the Niger Delta communities, he noted that re-engineering the amnesty programmes was an example to follow.

    On recovered stolen funds, he said: “But today I can confirm that thus far: significant amount of assets have been recovered. A considerable portion of these are at different stages of recovery.

    “Full details of the status and categories of the assets will now be published by the Ministry of Information and updated periodically.

    “When forfeiture formalities are completed these monies will be credited to the treasury and be openly and transparently used in funding developmental projects and the public will be informed.” He said

    But the President noted that the processes of recovering stolen assets, which are in different jurisdictions, are tedious and time consuming.

    According to him, the economic misfortune of low oil prices, which averaged at $100 per barrel from the year 2010 and fell to $30 per barrel at the inception of his administration, has provided Nigeria an opportunity to restructure her economy and diversify it through agriculture, livestocks, solid mineral resources, industrial and manufacturing base.

    By doing that, he said that Nigeria will import less and make the social investments necessary to boost large and skilled workforce.

    Noting that the past administration did not keep anything for the rainy day, he said: “Oil prices have been declining since 2014 but due to the neglect of the past, the country was not equipped to halt the economy from declining.

    “The infrastructure, notably rail, power, roads were in a decrepit state. All the four refineries were in a state of disrepair, the pipelines and depots neglected.

    “Huge debts owed to contractors and suppliers had accumulated. Twenty-seven states could not pay salaries for months. In the north-east, Boko Haram had captured 14 local governments, driven the local authorities out, hoisted their flags. Elsewhere, insecurity was palpable; corruption and impunity were the order of the day. In short, we inherited a state near collapse.

    “On the economic front, all oil dependent countries, Nigeria included, have been struggling since the drop in prices. Many oil rich states have had to take tough decisions similar to what we are doing.

    “The world, Nigeria included has been dealing with the effects of three significant and simultaneous global shocks starting in 2014:
    A 70% drop in oil prices.
    Global growth slowdown.
    Normalization of monetary policy by the United States federal reserve.

    “Our problems as a government are like that of a farmer who in a good season harvests ten bags of produce. The proceeds enable him to get by for rest of the year. However, this year he could only manage 3 bags from his farm. He must now think of other ways to make ends meet.” He said

    He also promised that the Central Bank of Nigeria will offer more fiscal incentives for business that prove capable of manufacturing products that are internationally competitive.
    Stressing that his administration is committed to reforming the regulatory framework and improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria, he said that the first steps to self-sufficiency in rice, wheat and sugar, which are the big users of Nigeria’s scarce foreign exchange, have been taken.

    The Labour Intensive Farming Enterprise, he said, will boost the economy and ensure inclusive growth in long neglected communities.

    He said: “Special intervention funds through the Bank of Agriculture will provide targeted support. Concerns remain about rising cost of foods such as maize, rice, millet, beans and gari. Farmers tell me that they are worried about the cost of fertilizers, pesticides and the absence of extension services.

    “The federal and state governments are on the same page in tackling these hurdles in our efforts at increased food production and ultimately food security.

    “And by growing more food in Nigeria, mainly rice, wheat and sugar we will save billions of dollars in foreign exchange and drastically reduce our food import bill.” He stated

    On foreign exchange and fuel shortages, he said that the plan of the administration is to save foreign exchange by fast tracking repair of the refineries and producing most of the fuel requirements at home.

    He expressed the belief of his administration in democracy as the form of government that best assures the active participation and actual benefit of the people.

  • Militants are enemies of Nigeria, says Naval Chief

    Militants are enemies of Nigeria, says Naval Chief

    •As military deploys gunboats in the creeks

    The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas has described militants attacking oil and other critical infrastructures of government as enemies of state who must be dealt with accordingly.

    He spoke at the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) during an international maritime sea exercise code named OPIA TOHA (togetherness) organised as part of activities to celebrate the Nigerian Navy’s (NN) 60th anniversary.

    It was gathered that the Navy yesterday deployed four gun boats with special forces in the Niger Delta creeks to flush out Niger Delta Avengers and other threats to economic stability.

    The Nation reliably gathered that NNS OKPABANA, a Frigate Class warship was among the vessels tasked to police the troubled region, while small gunboats as well as Special Boat Services (SBS) personnel have been tasked to block all choke points and smoke out the militants.

    Ibas noted the need for more assets for the force to enable it effectively tackle the challenges of the moment.

    Other countries’ navies that participated in the one day sea exercise were France, Cameroon, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Namibia, Cote D’ Ivoire and the United Kingdom.

    While the NN deployed five vessels and two helicopters, France, Ghana and Cameroon each deployed a boat for the exercise.

    Fielding questions from reporters, Ibas said the resources the NN deployed in the conduct of the sea exercise was justified by the performance of personnel.

    He said: “The Armed Forces of any nation are trained to fight enemies of the nation. For now, militants are enemies of Nigeria and we will completely eliminate them.

    “We are doing our very best but still require much more from government to enable us do better. We need more assets. We have a vast maritime space to cover.

    “We have the back waters as well where new emerging threats are coming from. Indeed, we need vessels to be able to dominate.”

    Asked what was delaying NNS UNITY the second vessel Nigerian ordered from China, the CNS said the Frigate Class ship would soon be delivered.

    “NNS UNITY will be with us in a short while. The Second Seaward Defence Boat (SDB) is about 98 percent complete. It has already been launched. Once they start the sea and acceptance trials, she should be able to join the service.

    “For NNS ARADU, survey is being conducted. To put ARADU back means deploying resources into the system. But once we get the recommendation of the survey, we will be able to take appropriate actions,” said Ibas.

    Commending the NN for deploying men and material for the regional exercise, Namibia’s naval chief, Rear Admiral Peter Vilho said it was a demonstration of the NN’s might and capabilities.

    Compared to many other third world countries, he said the NN has made major strides. “We used to do a few exercises in our region but we have never had one like this with many vessels and nations participating. The Nigerian Navy has been able to muster so many vessels at sea in this exercise. I am here personally because we were supposed to also bring a vessel for this exercise but it developed technical problem.

    “So, I said we are still going to participate and continue since we already registered our interest for it.

    “We are a bit farther from the GoG region but we believe that things can be tackled before they get worst. That’s why we find out about challenges from other parts of the world in order to prevent them.”

    Giving an assessment of the exercise, the Commander of the Task group and Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command (WNC) Rear Admiral Fergusson Bobai said its objectives were met, adding that the joint forces proved that language was not a barrier to effective maritime security.

    “Normally, platforms should be acquired based on threat scenario and the NN’s contemporary threats are in our back waters i.e. militancy, crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism. So, we must look for proper mix of vessels to fight them. “OPVs (Offshore Patrol Vessels) are one of the good vessels we can use to patrol our offshore installations.

    “Helicopter is a force multiplier, she can be sent out to survey and feed the ship back on its findings so that the right platform can be vectored to go and confront the particular challenge. We are celebrating 60 years of existence, growing from strength to strength,” he said.

    At the sea exercise were the Commandant, NDC, Rear Admiral Sanmi Alade; Chief of Naval Transformation, Rear Admiral Henry Babalola; Chief of Training and Operations, Rear Admiral Adeniyi Osinowo and Sierra Leonean Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gen. Alfred Nelson-Williams (rtd), among others.

  • War in Bayelsa creeks as twin blasts hit pipelines

    War in Bayelsa creeks as twin blasts hit pipelines

    Armed militants and a crack team of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) battled in the creeks of Bayelsa State, Saturday, following twin blasts that ruptured pipelines belonging to the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) and Aiteo.

    Aiteo, had in 2014 acquired the 100kn Nembe trunkline from Shell Production Development Company (SPDC) which Shell still depended on to convey crude to its Bonny Export Terminal.

    At about 2:15am, Saturday, militants carried out two attacks on the pipelines at two different locations in Nembe and Southern Ijaw local government areas of the state.

    It was gathered that the Nembe’s attack occurred at a creek opposite Orubiri community.

    The creek warlords, who were said to have accessed their targeted pipeline through speedboats, reportedly blew the oil facility up with the aide of a dynamite.

    A civil defence operative who spoke in confidence said another blast happened along a pipeline located at Legosgbene in Southern Ijaw.

    He said after the onslaught, the armed militants laid ambush around the area apparently to stop security operatives from accessing the crime scene.

    He said: “There are two blasts from Agip pipeline, one from Tebedeba to Brass. It happened opposite Orubiri community in Nembe. Then another blast happened in Legosgbene in Southern Ijaw.

    “As I am talking to you now, our team has advanced to the Legosgbene. The perpetrators are there laying ambush. We have been exchanging gunfire to be able to reach the site of the incident to see exactly what happened.

    “Our team is also advancing to Orubiri in Nembe with support from the army to ascertain the extant of the damage. Only the team from Nembe is being assisted by the army. For the Southern Ijaw, it is only the civil defence team that is advancing”.

    The state Commandant, NSCDC, Mr. Desmond Agu, confirmed the incident and said the militants were exchanging gunfire with his men at Southern Ijaw.

    He said: “We have deployed two teams to the two different locations where Agip pipelines were attacked in the state. Our team heading for the Southern Ijaw location discovered that the militants laid an ambush in the area. We will soon clear the area and ascertain the extent of damage done to the pipeline”.

    However, the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) claimed responsibility for the attacks through its Twitter handle.

    It said: “At about 2:15am on Saturday, avengers blew up Nembe 1, 2, 3 Brass to Bonny Trunkline belonging to Agip and Shell”.

    But residents, yesterday, faulted the silence of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Pulo Shiled, and its inability to halt the ongoing attacks on pipelines in the state.

    The JTF has maintained sealed lips since the avengers resumed destruction of oil installations in the region with many persons concluding that the activities of the new militant group had overwhelmed the army.

    The Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre (JMCC), Col. Isa Ado, has consistently failed to respond to enquiries on the violence in the region.

    There were, however, fears that the constant attacks on oil installation could worsen the economy of Bayelsa as it would further deplete the derivation from oil revenue accruing to the state.

    The state Governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson, has not been able to pay backlog of workers’ salaries because of drop in its earnings from oil.

    Th‎e Bayelsa government condemned yesterday’s attack on ‎two crude trunk lines operated by Aiteo and Agi‎p.

    The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Jonathan Obuebite, who confirmed the attack in an email on Saturday afternoon condemned the twin attacks and described it as one too many.

    Obuebite lamented the economic impact of destruction of the key oil facility and wondered why the militants would disregard the economy of the state to attack pipelines.

    He observed that despite the concerted efforts of the government to move against such atrocities, the militants were still unrepentant in their acts of vandalism.

    Obuebite urged the group to make their grievances known to appropriate authorities through dialogue embrace dialogue rather than resorting to violence.

    He noted that the activities of the group were adversely affecting Ijaw people whose only source of livelihood is the environment.

    The Commissioner also called on security agents to be at alert and devise other means to protect very important oil and gas facilities to forestall further destructions

    Obuebite also urged Bayelsa residents, especially persons residing in oil-bearing communities to be very vigilant and work closely with security agents to apprehend anyone or group attempting to undermine key national assets.

    But another security source who pleaded anonymity said intelligence at his disposal showed that the militant group was far ahead of the security agencies in the region.

    He said it was unfortunate that amid the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari to crush the militant, the group was still carrying out successful attacks on oil installations at different parts of the region.

    The source who fumed at the rate of compromise within the security forces in the region accused some senior officers and operatives of collaborating with the group and its sponsors.

    He said intelligence gathering had unmasked the identity of the person behind the activities of the group but that the hands of some security agencies were too tied to go after them.

    Specifically, the source said a well-known former militant leader solely formed and armed the group.

    But the source claimed that some security operatives were already in the payroll of the ex-militant leader sponsoring the NDA adding that the sponsor has an armoury somewhere in the region.

    He said: “These compromised officers and operatives are the ones providing information about military strategies to these avengers. This is the reason why the group is ahead of the military in the region.

    “Apart from the issue of compromise, Nigeria is not prepared to deal with issues of sabotage in the Niger Delta region. The creeks and waterways are vast. The only way this can be tackled is to set up a Marine Corps like in the United States of America”.

  • Oil crisis gets worse as militants step up attacks

    Oil crisis gets worse as militants step up attacks

    Oil giant Chevron’s operations yesterday came under threat after another attack on its facility at the 18-inch Abiteye line in Warri South-West council area of Delta State.

    Members of a militant group, the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), destroyed a major crude oil facility, grounding Chevron’s swamp operations in the state.

    The NDA, in a tweet, claimed responsibility for the attack, which is  bound to alter oil production and, in effect, Nigeria’s revenue. The group tweeted: “We warned Chevron, but they didn’t listen. @NDAvengers just blew up the Escravos tank farm main electricity feed pipeline.”

    The NDA explained that the oil facilities were sabotaged following attempts by Chevron to repair the main Escravos crude oil pipeline it blew up earlier.

    Reuters quoted sources as saying that the company’s onshore operations in the Niger Delta had been shut down following the attack, which involved the main electricity line leading to its Escravos terminal.

    “It is a crude line, which means all activities in Chevron are grounded,” the source told Reuters.

    After the initial attack, the group had warned against moves to repair the facility until their demands were fully met.

    The group’s spokesperson, Mudoch Agbinibo, had earlier this month warned the government of further attacks if their demands were not met.

    Last week, Chevron’s Makaraba crude oil line was attacked on the offshore Okan manifold.

    The attack followed previous ones on the company’s facilities at Abiteye, Utunana and Makaraba platforms in Warri South-West area of Delta State, resulting in the loss of over 40,000 barrels of oil per day.

    Agip pipilines have repeatedly been vandalised in Bayelsa and Delta states recenlty.

    The attack on pipelines and platforms cause daily loss of money amidst fall in global oil prices. It could also lead to a worsening of electricity supply because of its effect on gas supply. Most of Nigeria’s power plants use gas.

    But oil price has risen above $50 a barrel — the first time in seven months.

    The Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) also faces the problem of maintaining stability in the supply of petrol. It may lead to scarcity of poducts.

    Residents said an explosion occurred on Wednesday  night.

    A community source, who had had an interaction with officials of the company, confirmed that the attack had grounded Chevron’s swamp activities.

    The source said stakeholders from the state had been working on possible solutions to the situation, which has adversely affected the national economy, adding that those behind the attacks had been difficult to trail or identify.

    “Chevron Abiteye 18-inch line, a crude oil line, was once again attacked last night. The Abiteye Escravos is the main line. I spoke with the Chevron superintendent, who confirmed it and that the entire operation of Chevron in the swamp has been totally shut down by the attack. That was the only remaining route before, but with this last attack, all Chevron’s operation is down, totally brought to zero.

    “We are trying to now proffer a solution; what can we do, in spite of the advocacy committee’s visit and all that? The issue is that the people are not coming out like in the last agitation, where you knew where it was coming from, you could trace it to Camp 5, you could identify some leaders from the camps.

    “In this one, you can’t identify anyone, they are using guerrilla tactics; they are no longer using either 200 or 75 horsepower speedboats, they now use smaller speedboats. They are now disguised in a different manner; now you can only see like two to three people, you’ll just think probably they are going somewhere, but they are rather causing problems and the funny thing is that they don’t move in the day time; they only move in the night,” he said.

    When reached for confirmation and comment, Chevron’s General Manager )Policies, Government and Public Affairs) Deji Haastrup simply said: “ I am unable to comment at this time.”

    Delta State Deputy Governor Kingsley Otuaro, at a news conference in Warri earlier in the week, said state government’s advocacy efforts had been helpful, adding that attacks on facilities could have been more than being already experienced.

     “We can safely say, from the intelligence we have, that if this committee had not been put in place, we would have possibly had a hundred of such one – off attacks that you have seen so far. That would have been a great setback to the nation’s economy and, of course, by extension, the state. The committee is doing a great work,” Otuaro said.

  • Uduaghan to Buhari: Dialogue with Militants

    Uduaghan to Buhari: Dialogue with Militants

    Former Delta state governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has advised the Federal Government to consider engagement and dialogue as an option towards arresting the upsurge of militancy in the Niger Delta.

    Recent attacks by the militant group, Niger Delta Avengers has crippled oil and gas production from Delta/Bayelsa axis of the Niger Delta and the ex-governor said peaceful engagement is the best option available.

    The former governor who was a key player in the offer amnesty to former militants, said the engagement should be between regional leaders on one hand and another between the leaders and the Federal Government.

    Uduaghan, who spoke in the wake of unrelenting attacks on facilities in the Warri area, especially those of Chevron Nigeria, lamented the devastation and environment damages resulting from the attacks.

    “The bombings are damaging our environment and it will take several years to rebuild.

    “I want to advise the Federal Government to take the issue of dialogue very seriously because I believe that is the solution to the current crisis.

    “The leaders of the Niger Delta should come together and engage ourselves to find solution to the problem.”

    Speaking on rumour that there are external forces involved in the latest attacks, he said, “I do not think so because there is enough of issues in the region to cause what’s happening.

    Dr Uduaghan also advised his successor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa to step up dialogue, engagement and improve on intelligence gathering to assist the Federal Government I dealing with the situation.

    “No segment should in isolation; the state should assist the FG to tackle the situation.”

    He further advised those behind the attacks to rethink their action because of the economic challenges it is posing for the nation and ecological destruction to their region.

     

  • Suspect arrested as militants vandalise another pipeline in Bayelsa

    Suspect arrested as militants vandalise another pipeline in Bayelsa

    Massive fire and thick smoke raged at Ikienghenbiri community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, yesterday, following another attack on a pipeline belonging to the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC).

    Militants suspected to have been led by persons within the community were said to have vandalised the pipeline.

    But sources in the community claimed that a war between rival pipeline contractors over surveillance contract led to the attack of the trunk line.

    Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) who stormed the community shortly after the incident, apprehended one of the suspects.

    Sources from the community blamed the attack on a supremacy battle between two rival militants struggling for control of the Ogboinbiri-Tebidaba crude trunk line which passed through the area.

    A source who spoke in confidence said the gunmen unsettled the community with gunshots adding that residents were fleeing the area.

    The source said: “It is a conflict between two armed groups for the control of the crude pipeline. One group claims to be working to safeguard the pipeline describing their rival group as vandals. They have been shooting.

    “The sound of the gunfire has sent panic waves into the community. But the arrival of the NSCDC operatives has temporarily restored peace in the area”.

    The state Commandant, NSCDC, Mr. Desmond Agu, confirmed the attack and said one of the militants identified simply as Peregbakumo was arrested through the help of community leaders.

    He identified the facility attacked by the militants as a pipeline along Azuzuama axis of the Tebidaba-Brass trunkline.

    He said the pipeline was attacked with dynamite at about 12.30am adding that the community was cooperating with his men to arrest other fleeing suspects.

    It was gathered that the incident ignited thick smoke and fire that unsettled the community.

    The commandant said after the attack, the armed youths laid ambush in the community and shot a civilian member of the Oil and Gas Task Force in the leg.

    But he said the youths took off on sighting the gunboat of NSCDC adding that his operatives later arrested Peregbakumo.

    Agu said: “At about 0300hrs, a gang of armed youths allegedly led by one Suoyou, Iyelawei and Fynboy all of Ikienghenbiri community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area vandalised pipeline along Azuzuama axis of the Tebidaba-Brass pipeline with dynamites and ignited fire on the line.

  • Kachikwu: militants lack knowledge of Buhari’s change agenda

    Kachikwu: militants lack knowledge of Buhari’s change agenda

    Minister of State for Petroleum  Ibe Kachukwu has said  the Niger Delta Avengers responsible for attacking oil facilities lacked sufficient knowledge of President Mohammadu Buhari Change agenda.

    Kachukwu noted that the anti-corruption posture of the Federal government was responsible for the return of hostility and vandalism of crude oil pipelines and other national assets in the Niger Delta.

    The Minister who defended the removal of subsidy on petrol spoke in Beni City at the child dedication of the General Overseer, Rock of Ages Christian Assembly, Apostle Charles Osazuwa.

    Kachikwu assured Nigerians that the country would be great again and retain his past glory in the comity of nations.

    He said the All Progressives Congress (APC) government was to determine to build infrastructure and intervene in other critical sectors of the economy especially in agriculture, education and roads.

    His words: “I have the hope that those who are offended by virtually the policies that we have pursued and to see it free to break the pipelines and express their anger, will sooner or later, see the hope that we are trying very hard to produce and work with us in brotherhood to fix this country.

    “We have hope that agriculture will take hold and we shall feed the children and our communities and make this country an economic hub that would make Nigeria, that giant again.”

    “I urge all of you to begin to look at the Country where you do not spend all your time criticising people, criticising your leaders, criticising concepts and ideas, but empower yourself because you were here for a purpose and add value to Nigeria. It is not about me or the national Chairman of (APC), but, it is actually about you and the Country- Nigeria and believe in your sense of service”.

  • Update: Militants blow up another Agip pipeline

    Militants operating in the Niger Delta region have blown up another pipeline belonging to to the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) in Ikembiri, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.

    Sources from the community blamed the attack on a supremacy battle between two rival militants struggling for control of the Ogboinbiri-Tebidaba crude trunk line which passed through the area.

    A source who spoke in confidence said the gunmen unsettled the community with gunshots adding that residents were fleeing the area.

    The source said: “It is a conflict between two armed groups for the control of the crude pipeline. One group claims to be working to safeguard the pipeline describing their rival group as vandals. They have been shooting.

    “The sound of the gunfire has sent panic waves into the community. But the arrival of the NSCDC operatives has temporarily restored peace in the area.”

  • Confusion in Delta community over arrest of ‘militants’

    There was confusion yesterday in Delta State following the alleged arrest of some suspected members of the militant group, the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA).

    Security agencies and community leaders traded counter-accusations on the alleged arrests.

    News broke yesterday that some leaders of NDA had been arrested by security agents.

    But the report did not provide details of the identities of those arrested, the agency that arrested them and where they were arrested.

    When our reporter enquired about the development, officials of the major security agencies denied knowledge of the arrest.

    The Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta Commodore Raimi Mohammed said he was not aware of the arrest of any NDA members.

    Mohammed, who said he was on an official assignment, added that he had not authorised or been part of any operation within the period the arrest was allegedly made.

    According to him, his command could not have made the arrest.

    Also, the Commanding Officer of the 3 Battalion of the Army at Effunrun Barracks in Delta State, Major Monday Anzaku, said he was not aware of any arrest involving militants.

    But community sources claimed that soldiers arrested five residents at Otunana.

    They said those arrested were not militants but surveillance workers at a Chevron Pipeline and Facilities Surveillance Programme (PFSP), which had been in operation for several years.

    Those reportedly arrested are: Samuel Emiko, Alfred Timede, Kelvin Mordi, Henry Arogboritse and Isaac Edemde.

    Three of the workers were from Omadino, an Itsekiri village in Warri North Local Government Area, while the others were said to be from Kokodiagbene, an Ijaw community and host to Utunana Flow Station in Gbaramatu Kingdom.

    The spokesman of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief Godspower Gbenekama, confirmed the names of those reportedly arrested as Chevron workers.

    He said they were not militants, as being speculated by the military.

    Gbenekama said after the soldiers allegedly arrested the suspects with their speedboats bearing the inscription of PFFP and with Chevron logo on it, they moved to Kokodiagbene, invading buildings and torturing youths to force them to accept their membership of NDA.

    The spokesman described the alleged military action as a ploy to intimidate Gbaramatu residents, adding that such antics would not work.

    He urged the military to immediately set the arrested workers free as they are members of NDA.

    Gbenekama said: “Three of the workers are from Itsekiri (Omadino) while two others are from Kokodiagbene, an Ijaw community. They were arrested on their routine check of oil facilities within Utunana flow station with a speedboat that Chevron’s name was boldly written on. The boat they were caught with also belongs to Chevron.

    “They were employed under the Chevron’s Pipeline and Facilities Surveillance Programme (PFSP) through the Ijaw/Itsekiri Regional Development Committee GMoU with host communities.”

  • Navy to Niger Delta militants: we’ll crush you

    Navy to Niger Delta militants: we’ll crush you

    The Central Naval Command (CNC) yesterday told Niger Delta militants behind renewed bombings of oil facilities that its troops would crush them.

    The new CNC’s Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Rear Admiral Mohammed Garba, said economic saboteurs and maritime criminals in the region would be caught.

    Garba, who took over the CNC from Rear Admiral Tariworio Dick on Wednesday, pledged to make the region hot for militants and criminals.

    The FOC took over amid the nefarious activities of a new militant group in the oil-rich region, Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), which claimed responsibility for recent attacks on major oil platforms.

    Speaking after a meeting with officers and men of the CNC in Yenagoa, Garba said he would enforce the vision and mission of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas, as contained in last year’s Strategic Directive.

    The directive, the FOC said, was aimed at achieving zero tolerance for crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering, pipeline vandalism, kidnapping and socio-economic and political threats.

    He expressed dismay at the resurgence of militant activities in Niger Delta, warning the perpetrators to desist or face the weight of the Navy.

    Garba said: “I wish to emphasise that there will be no hiding place for oil thieves as the command has intensified the patrol of its area of responsibility with the delivery of more platforms by the Navy.

    “With the resurgence of  militant activities, I wish to call on these groups to desist from criminal activities capable of entrenching security breach in the Niger Delta.

    “Additionally, let me say that they (militants) have no constituency as all Nigerians and law-abiding citizens will not want to associate with them. I urge these criminal gangs to engage in meaningful and legitimate businesses because anybody found wanting will face the law.

    “I beckon on individuals to report any suspicious activity to security agencies for swift responses in curbing criminalities in Niger Delta.”