War: FG begins offensive to crush Niger Delta Avengers
Tension has remained heightened in the coastal communities of Southern Ijaw local government area following an offensive against unrepentant militants by the army
Sources confirm that there is large military presence in the tricky mangrove swamp of the council, where militants once made their abode during the height of youth militancy
The Nigerian army in a search for Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has invaded another community of Gbaramatu kingdom, Warri south-west local government area
Niger-Delta-militants have resumed attacks on oil and gas installations in the region.
In response to continued bombing of oil and gas pipelines by militant group, Niger Delta Avengers, (NDA), the federal government on Monday, May 30, deployed a fleet of five warships, 100 gunboats and fighter jets to the creeks of the Niger Delta.
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Vanguard reports that following the offensive against the unrepentant militants, tension has remained heightened in the coastal communities of Southern Ijaw local government area, even as helicopter gunships were seen hovering at low altitude in the predominantly riverine council.
Sources confirmed that there was large military presence in the tricky mangrove swamp of the council, where militants once made their abode during the height of youth militancy
“There is a massive security operation going on in the area. Fighter jets and helicopter gunships have been hovering around the airspace at low level, apparently on surveillance mission. Many of the natives are worried about the development,” Ayebatari, an indigene of the area told Vanguard.
Confirming the presence of security agencies, Commander, NNS Delta, Commodore Raimi Mohammed, , yesterday, May 30 said security agencies were now working in collaboration to rout the Avengers.
He said:“We (Navy) use helicopter. If you spot it, you will clearly identify it as belonging to us. You see Navy written on it. The jet fighters and surveillance craft were deployed by Air Force to watch over the high risk areas against activities of the oil assets vandals and anyone else involved in criminality in the area.
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“There is now strengthened synergy among the security agencies to stop this vandalism. The synergy is there. I will advise those involved to steer clear and employ peaceful ways of agitating and engaging their minds.”
The Nation reports that the sudden presence of fighter jets and surveillance aircrafts which hovered over the coastal communities has caused panic among residence in the area.
Some residents were already getting ready to seek refuge in the mangrove following fears of possible bombardments by the jets.
A resident who spoke under the condition of anonymity said: “We noticed the jets in the morning. They were military jets. We were afraid and most people were thinking of taking cover when suddenly they flew away. We are still afraid that they may come back. We can’t forget the Odi experience.”
In a related development, the Nigerian army in a search for Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has invaded another community of Gbaramatu kingdom, Warri South-West local government area, Delta state.
According to reports, locals in the community were asleep when the troops came in six gunboats at about 4.30 am on May 30, Monday.
However, many residents fled for their safety into the bush when they heard sound of gunboats. It was gathered that the troops, who rapidly cordoned the community, embarked on a house to house search.
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