“Their cup is full,” the JTF, codenamed Operation Pulo (oil) Shield, said through its spokesman, Lt.-Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, who was reacting to the latest threat issued by the Jomo Gbomo-led faction of MEND in an on-line statement.
The JTF spokesman urged community leaders, opinion leaders and all peace-loving residents of the oil-rich region not to panic.
He admonished well-meaning Niger Delta leaders to “firmly” dissociate themselves from the criminals and to collaborate with the JTF and other security agencies to rid the society of criminals.
JTF said: “It must be made clear that the authentic MEND, as we all know, went into extinction since the emergence of the Niger Delta and the freedom fighters from the dark days of turbulence in the region and quite a good number of them are partnering with their various states and communities for development.
“Those attempting to christen themselves MEND today are impostors and a bundle of ‘never do wells, who want to be accorded undue recognition at the expense of the peace currently being savoured in the Niger Delta.
“The lack of focus and genuineness of intention of this gang seeking to hide under the name of MEND is apparent in its statements, as it continues to contradict itself.
“You will recall that it had earlier claimed to be acting under the directives of Henry Okah and now it refers to the same person, as just one of the respected leaders of the Niger Delta.
“Now, they are seeking sympathy and acceptance of the public by claiming to want to avenge for Christians. Niger Deltans, be not deceived by the tricks of the devil. Lawlessness is never a solution.
“Obviously, their aim is to engender panic and a sense of insecurity in the region, using MEND’s name, but we assure them that their cup is full and will soon be caught up with by the law.
“The claim by the criminals of blowing up a well head is false, as our troops on patrol along Nembe Creek 1 Flow Station have earlier reported an incident of oil spill on water around Owelesu Community in Nembe, resulting from the activities of oil thieves and a joint patrol team, comprising of JTF troops and NN (Nigerian Navy) personnel was able to trace the spillage.
“The troops observed a fresh dug-out, possibly for laying illegal pipeline and fresh footprints, which were traced to a small camp. Items such as hacksaw for cutting pipeline, three shovels, food items, cooking pots, sleeping mat, footwear, bags of pure (sachet) water and clothes were found in the camp.
“It was suspected that some miscreants were trying to open a new, illegal loading point. The camp has been destroyed in situ and patrols will be maintained.”
The security outfit also stated that the oil well was shut to avoid further spillage, pending its repair by the Anglo/Dutch oil giant- Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).
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