The Niger Delta Avengers group, which has been attacking pipelines and facilities since early this year, denied involvement but claimed a separate strike and vowed to bring crude output to a halt. We promise the world that in this process of liberating our people, not a single blood of Nigeria soldiers will be wasted despite the provocation.
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“To avoid worsening violence and instability in the Niger Delta the president needs to show personal and constructive engagement”.
A new group calling itself the Joint Niger Delta Liberation Force issued a statement saying that on Tuesday it would test six missiles in the region capable of downing any type of aircraft.
A recent surge in attacks in the region, with a group that calls itself the Niger Delta Avengers blowing up pipelines and pumping stations, has cut the nation’s oil production to the lowest in 27 years at a time when Africa’s biggest economy is reeling from a slump in prices.
Many say the NDA militants are followers of former Niger Delta warlords like Government Ekpemupolo, who has the alias Tompolo.
“Between pipeline repairs and militant attacks, Nigeria is probably producing no more than 990,000 barrels of oil every day”, Oni said.
Speaking at an event in Port Harcourt attended by thousands, including worldwide football star Joseph Yobo and Miss Nigeria Pamela Lessi, the Vice President said the Nigerian government was now delivering on what was one of President Buhari’s key election promises.
Buhari had already skipped a visit to the commercial capital Lagos in the south last month at the last minute.
For President Buhari, who just marked one year in office, the NDA presents another fresh security challenge to the government which has been grappling with Islamist insurgency in the north-east of the country. The report also recommended the establishment of an Ogoniland Environmental Restoration Fund with an initial capitalization of 1 billion dollars to cover the clean-up costs.
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“I cannot give you details of the incident but I can confirm to you that a military houseboat was attacked by suspected militants”.
