JTF set to dislodge John Togo

Posted by admin Niger Delta, Top Stories Friday, December 24th, 2010

THE Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta is considering a final push to rid the Niger Delta of impenitent militants, especially the leader of the Niger Delta Liberation Force, ‘General’ John Togo, The Nation has gathered.

It was learnt that the task force was only awaiting a final nod from the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, to enable it carry out the attack, which could be unleashed around an Ijaw community where John Togo and at least nine of his key followers are currently taking refuge.

The Israel Barrack camp of the militant leader is also to be air-raided by the JTF when it receives the go-ahead of the military high command for the operation.

Specifically, our correspondent learnt that the task force has commenced a secret evacuation of the inhabitants of the Ijaw communities and others around the place where Togo is currently holed up, preparatory to a final assault.

A top security officer said: “We have located him (Togo). He is currently in a village not too far from Amazoma. We do not want to reveal the name of the village now for security reasons, but I can assure you that we have pinned him down.

“Contrary to reports that he is in Israel Barrack, a militant camp, Togo fled the area, leaving some of his boys there and he is currently with about nine of his men at this village I told you about. We are tightening the knot around him.”

Independent investigations by our correspondent revealed that the JTF is getting frustrated over the delay in apprehending the warlord, particularly in the face of several measures so far adopted to smoke him out.

It was gathered that the blockade of his supply route has so far failed to yield the desired result as a result of his knowledge of the creeks and its numerous entry and exit points, through which he still gets supplies.

Conversely, sources from the communities in the area, especially Amasoma, are facing hardship as a result of the closure of the waterways linking the area. Our source said food supplies and other basic needs have run out since the latest face-off.

In a related development, the Minister of Niger Delta, Elder Godsday Orubebe, has advised Togo, his followers and other groups to surrender their arms and ammunition to the JTF in order to avert fresh bloodbath in the region.

Orubebe, who spoke in Ayamokoro, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, said President Goodluck Jonathan was unhappy about the fate of the people of the community, which was destroyed during the recent face-off between the JTF and Togo.

He warned Togo and other renegades in the region that no individual could withstand the force of the Federal Government, “no matter how prepared or strong that person thinks he is. The best thing is for them to surrender voluntarily to the JTF.”

He expressed concern that the incident occurred at a time the Ijaw have their kinsman at the helm of the nation’s affairs, noting: “No right thinking Ijaw should think of doing anything negative that can affect our people.wp_posts