The Defence authorities have vowed to deploy all available resources in line with standard rules of engagement to crush those behind the recent attacks on oil installations in the Niger Delta.
The Acting Director, Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Rabe Abubakar, warned the new group, the Niger Delta Avengers, of the grave consequences of their actions against the nation’s economy.
He said that the military would treat the new militant group who had carried out attacks against the nation’s strategic assets as criminals.
“The Defence Headquarters 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 the 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.
He said that while the military and the other security agencies would take proactive measures to fish out those behind the attacks, efforts would be made protect the installations and law abiding citizens of the area.
Abubakar called on the traditional rulers, the community leaders and the general public to cooperate with the security agencies to fish out the culprits.
“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 in the interest of our great nation; as no individual or group interest is above the national interest of this country,” he added