Alleged MEND’s threat: FG deploys soldiers in Niger Delta

Posted by admin Niger Delta Saturday, January 22nd, 2011

THE Federal Government, on Thursday deployed troops in all oil facilities in upland and riverine areas in the Niger Delta, following a fresh threat by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), to resume attacks on oil installations in the region.

It was learnt that heavily armed soldiers were deployed in the early hours of the day to oil lifting depots in Delta, Rivers and Akwa Ibom states to repel any attack by militants.

Security sources told the Nigerian Tribune that the Federal Government was not taking chances with the renewed threat by MEND and had directed the commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) to beef up security in the Niger Delta region.

“The Federal Government is not taking the threat by MEND with levity. That is why it directed the commander of JTF to ensure adequate protection of oil facilities in the region. Our men have taken over all the facilities and are prepared to confront the so-called militants,” he said.

The Nigerian Tribune observed heavy military presence in some oil facilities in Warri, which were placed under security watch. They were Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company (WRPC), Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) and Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC).

-Tribunewp_posts