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.
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