Niger Delta: FG sets up c’ttee to recover arms, stop bombing

 

 Federal Government has set up a special committee to recover illegal weapons and curtail the spate of bombings and illegal refineries in the Niger Delta region.

 

The committee,  under the office of the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and is to liaise with the Office of the National Security Adviser, is to work with critical stakeholders in the region as well as security agencies to ensure the success of the programme.

 

 Addressing newsmen in Abuja, yesterday, Coordinator of the programme, Mr Tikari T. Y. Danjuma, said the programme,  named Niger Delta Riverine Protection Programme, was part of initiatives of the Federal Government to address several years of neglect of the region and check the spate of violence there.. He said:

 

“To consolidate on the peace process initiated by Mr. President, the Federal Government, through the office of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, has set up the Niger Delta Riverine Protection Programme.

 

The programme is aimed at driving further the peace process initiated by the Federal Government. “Part of the mandate of this programme is to recover illegal arms and ammunition in the region; ensure adequate protection of Federal Government assets and curtail the incidence of illegal refineries in the region.”

 

 

 Delta Safe: Air Force Bombs Illegal Oil Refineries and Barges with Gunship

 

  

 

“Thereafter, one Mi-24V helicopter gunship was called-in for attack.

 

 

 

The operation was a success as can be shown in enclosed photographs of the illegal refineries and barges on fire.

 

 

 

 “A similar operation was carried out with remarkable success about 2 days ago in the same location.

 

 

“These are clear signals to criminals operating in the South-South region, as well as other parts of the country, that it is no longer business as usual.”