The Joint Force in the Niger Delta, Operation Pulo Shield, will ‘resist and crush’ criminals parading as Niger Delta militants.
Commander, OPS, Maj. Gen. Alani Okunlola, said on Sunday that “anybody or group masquerading as militants are criminals and will be resisted and crushed in line with the mandate of the Joint Force in the Niger Delta.”
Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre, OPS, Col. Ado Isa, quoted the Commander to have said that the troops are ready to crack down on vandals and economic saboteurs.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria granted amnesty to repentant agitators and the amnesty automatically ends militancy and agitation in the region. Any group or persons under whatever guise will be treated like common criminals.”
“The Force had carried out aggressive patrols and surveillances within the waterways and the creeks, which had led to the arrest of suspects, and recovery of arms and ammunition, illegal oil bunkering vessels and barges and the suspects are at various stages of prosecution in Nigerian courts of competent jurisdiction.”
Furthermore, Okunola also urged the ‘so-called Niger Delta Avengers’ to halt its much publicised intention to blow up oil pipelines.
“The command also wishes to assure the Niger Delta residents of the OPS’s determination to wipe out all acts of illegalities in the region. We call on them to come up with useful information that will aid the Joint Force in its operations.”
“May I also assure the people of the region that the Joint Force is on top of the situation and will soon round up the criminals and bring them to justice.”