N’Delta: Security beefed up over militants’ regrouping

Tension is heightening in the Niger Delta, as indications have emerged that some former militants in the region are regrouping in the creeks.

Our correspondents, on Saturday, observed that security operatives from the Nigerian Army, Navy and the Police have beefed up security across the states in the Niger Delta.

While the rate of armed robbery and kidnapping shot up in region during and after the 2015 elections, security operatives have intensified efforts to contain the sudden upsurge in crime wave within the area.

In Delta State, one of our correspondents observed that since the recent aborted meeting of ex-militants in Burutu and Bomadi communities, palpable tension still envelopes the state.

Sources told SUNDAY PUNCH that the ex-militants, led by Government Ekpemukolo (aka Tompolo) had not relented in their anger over Dr. Goodluck Jonathan’s loss to President Muhammadu Buhari.

It was reliably gathered that the former fighters had been meeting, in spite of all assurances that they are in support of President Buhari’s anti-graft war.

Insiders told one of our correspondents that the Tompolo-led ex-militants have been unhappy, particularly as President Buhari recently terminated the oil pipeline protection contract with the Federal Government.

However, Tompolo, who spoke to SUNDAY PUNCH on the telephone, dismissed any sinister plans to unleash terror, saying the ex-militants’ meetings were aimed at supporting President Buhari.

Also, the tension in Cross River State seems to have heightened as security agencies are tackling ex-militants, especially those involved in serial kidnapping cases in Calabar, the state capital, and its environs.

Three unidentified ex-militants-turned-kidnappers were in the early hours of Saturday apprehended by security agencies in collaboration with local vigilance groups in the Calabar-South axis of the metropolis.

Confirming the arrest, the State Security Adviser, Mr. Jude Ngaji, told one of our correspondents that those arrested had been handed over to the Police.

In Rivers State, it was observed that the routine stop-and-search by the Police has suddenly increased.

The stop-and-search operation is common on Ada George, Ikwerre Road and other strategic areas in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Rivers Police Command, Mr. Ahmad Mohammad, told SUNDAY PUNCH that the command was battle ready for any attacks by militants in the state.

“The Rivers State has since spread its dragnet and we are taking any intelligence that comes our way seriously. We are battle ready and members of the public should not be afraid,” he said.

In Asaba, Warri, Ughelli and their environs in Delta State, armed military men were seen in strategic places where they often stop suspicious persons for interrogation.

It was observed that at the head bridge of the River Niger, there were fierce-looking military men who looked battle ready.

The presence of the military men was said to be causing panic in the area.

Efforts by one of our correspondents to get comments from the military commandant in Warri proved abortive. But one of the military officers in the patrol team, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said they were acting on “instructions from above” to monitor any suspicious act capable of inciting war or breach of the law.

http://www.punchng.com/news/ndelta-security-beefed-up-over-militants-regrouping/

He who gathers ant-infested firewoods ain't supposed to be allergic to lizards.

Why end of river Niger, does that look like. Niger delta?

Regrouping in d name of what again? I thought they're still paying them their amnesty allowance? Any regrouping is nolonger fighting a just cause as these could be termed...greed and selfish agenda!

Biafran Army I guess

Even when militants hold meeting to support Buhari Nigerians go dey fear.

The world is coming to an End...the four horsemen of the Apocalypse are working.

The oil in the Niger Delta is the life blood of the Hausa/Fulani elite and they would protect it at all costs.

Restless feet may walk into a snake pit. He who says his mother would not sleep......

Its a pity that Nigerian Government have not realise the threat posed to the Federation by unresolved militant issues. We cannot have a peaceful Nigerian State when the Apc the party at the Federal level still kow-toe and support leaders with dubious credentials to lead States under siege of militant mentality. As long as the Buhari's government favours the Timipre sylva, Timi Alaibe etc, so long will the instability in Niger delta continue.
Why can't the Pdp have a candidate like Ruben okoya or the Apc produce the likes of Austin Ogionwo, Senator Felix Oboro, Senator jk Brambaifa or Hon Warman Ogoriba, or the Pdp presenting the present Deputy Governor; these are gentlemen imbued with intellectual capacity to lead not these former yesterday men who destroyed Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta. CAN BUHARI USE FIRE TO QUENCH FIRE!

They may have forgotten that its no longer Mr Jonathans regime.
They should know that they can be wiped out in a day. Just one day, Just one order.

But one of the military officers in the patrol team, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said they were acting on “instructions from above” to [size=15pt]monitor any suspicious act capable of inciting war[/size] or breach of the law.

The Buko hari leader is the one inciting and beating war drums by his lopsided appointments and his plan to use resources from the 5% who didn't vote for him to assuage the hardship of the 95% who did.

fromnigeria:
They may have forgotten that its no longer Mr Jonathans regime.

They should know that they can be wiped out in a day.
Just one day, Just one order.

Stop fooling around, bokoharam has been committing genocide for the past 6 years now in the cespit country why hasn't they wiped them out. you guys will just sit at the comfort of your home and exaggerate anyhow.

Mogidi:


The Buko hari leader is the one inciting and beating war drums by his lopsided appointments and his plan to use resources from the 5% who didn't vote for him to assuage the hardship of the 95% who did.

Try get sense Mumu-Gidi

With an already stretched military and failing economy, only dullards like Buhari engage with force at this time.

Someone needs to remind him that he cannot win a simultaneous fight against Bokoharam, Niger Delta and Biafra with an unfunded budget and tired army.

Mogidi:


The Buko hari leader is the one inciting and beating war drums by his lopsided appointments and his plan to use resources from the 5% who didn't vote for him to assuage the hardship of the 95% who did.

Over and over, you continue to display your immaturity and illiteracy beyond any reasonable doubt. You're losing it. Seek help please.

Don't get me wrong; it's ok to be in the opposition, but you have to play that role intelligently, not all these childish rants that are sometimes inconsistent with what's been discussed. Ok?

I support bokoharam! Niger delta millitants! Massob! Ipob! Armend rubbers , anything capable. Of damaging the zooo am in support of it! Pls am calling on. Isis to pls. Come to nigeria we have a lot of virgins still 9 years old as buhari likes girls of that age!!

Insiders told one of our correspondents that the Tompolo-led ex-militants have been unhappy, particularly as President Buhari recently terminated the oil pipeline protection contract with the Federal Government.

Anyone still thinking these guys are fighting for the emancipation of a region need to have their heads checked by a neurologist.

The struggle was, is, and will always be about the emancipation of their bank accounts.

pmc01:


Over and over, you continue to display your immaturity and illiteracy beyond any reasonable doubt. You're losing it. Seek help please.

Don't get me wrong; it's ok to be in the opposition, but you have to play that role intelligently, not all these childish rants that are sometimes inconsistent with what's been discussed. Ok?

Save your mb! How can you expect a "test tube baby that was weaned on cats piss as an infant"to reason like you and the rest of society? His _stupidity has a patent!

May God help this country.