It is going to be full-scale war against Niger Delta Militants as
the Nigerian Army readies itself for a final showdown to stop the
bombing of oil facilities in the Niger Delta region.
The Minister of Defence, Dan-Ali (retd), had stated the position of
the Federal Government over the weekend in an interview after a closed
door meeting in Yenegoa with Commander of Operation Delta State (ODS),
Rear Admiral Joseph Okojie, operational officers and explained that
despite the ongoing talks with militants to address their grievances,
the use of force was not ruled out to end the criminality being
perpetrated by some of the groups.
According to a DailySun report,
Dan Ali who was accompanied by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lt.
Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin, said the Federal Government was implementing
resolutions reached with government of the Niger Delta States on the
conduct of it operation in the region.
He disclosed that like it did in the North-east, civilians would be
involved in its operations and would work with the special force being
trained to ensure that fake websites used to dish out rumours to
intimidate people were closed down.
Dan Ali explained that former agitators trained under the amnesty
programme would also be involved in the efforts to secure peace in the
region. He allayed the fears that collateral damage might occur when the
military operation start.
“We are not going to war. It is an internal security operation.
We know our rules of engagement so there is no need to talk of
collateral damage. As far as we are concerned, what we are doing is to
stop the criminality in the Niger Delta region.”
Also speaking, Olonisakin said the Federal Government has provided
the opportunity for negotiation, adding however, that the military would
not condone the continued destruction of oil facilities.
“We are doing everything to secure peace. We have provided the
opportunity for negotiations and discussions and we expect those
sabotaging the nation’s oil infrastructure to come to the negotiation
table.
“We want to assure that those that want to continue to destroy oil facilities would be dealt with,” he said.
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