Nigerian
military has pledged to clampdown on the faceless Niger Delta militants
destroying oil facilities in the oil rich region.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Tuesday, vowed to employ all
available means and measures within its Rule of Engagement (RoE) to
crush the new Nigeria Delta militant group, the Niger Delta Avengers,
which had been recently engaged in the bombing of oil installations in
the region.
The military in a statement by Acting Director, Defence said it is not unaware of the emergence of the Niger Delta region who have vowed to cripple economic activities through pipeline vandalism, oil theft and kidnap of expatriate workers in the Niger Delta region.
The military in a statement by Acting Director, Defence said it is not unaware of the emergence of the Niger Delta region who have vowed to cripple economic activities through pipeline vandalism, oil theft and kidnap of expatriate workers in the Niger Delta region.
The statement read: “The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) is not
unaware of the emergence of a group in the Niger Delta region who have
vowed to cripple economic activities through pipeline vandalism, oil
theft and kidnap of expatriate workers in that region; it will not
hesitate to deploy every available resources to deal decisively with any
threats to economic lifeline of the nation.
“The military will employ all available means and measures
within its rule of engagement to crush any individual or group that
engages in the destruction of strategic assets and facilities of the
government in the Niger Delta or any other location and they will stand
to regret the consequences of their actions.
The whole world has seen what they are causing in terms of
economic terrorism against the nation and would be treated as criminals
in line with the laws of the land.
“While the military and other security agencies would continue
to put in place more proactive measures within the creeks and other
places to fish out those responsible for the heinous crime, it will
remain focused and assure oil companies and law abiding community
members of their safety and protection of their sanctity.
“The DHQ advises the community leaders, traditional rulers and
the general public to cooperate with the security agencies to ensure the
apprehension of the culprits for the interest of our great nation; as
no individual or group interest is above national interest of this
country.”