From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Defense Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday described the emergence of a new group in the Niger Delta region that vowed to cripple economic activities through pipeline vandalism as economic terrorism against the nation.
It also described the group which also engaged in oil theft and kidnap of expatriate workers in the region as criminals, and vowed to deal decisively with the group in line with the laws of the land.
The defense headquarters said it would not hesitate to 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 part of the country
Director of Defence information, Brigadier General Abubakar Rabe, who gave the warning in Abuja, said while the military and other security agencies would continue to emplace more proactive measures within the creeks and other places to fish out those responsible for the heinous crime, they would remain focused and provide the necessary protection, sanctity and safety for oil companies and law-abiding members of the affected communities.
He, therefore, advised community leaders, traditional rulers and the public to cooperate with the security agencies to ensure the apprehension of the culprits in the interest of the nation. He said no individual or group interest is above national interest of the country.
Rabe, in a statement issued in Abuja, said: “The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) is not unaware of the emergence of a group in the Niger Delta region that has 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 they would be treated as criminals in line with the laws of the land.”