JTF To MEND: We’re Ready For You

The Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta codenamed Operation Pulo (oil) Shield, has advised the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) to shelve its planned resumption of hostilities as its men had been adequately mobilised to tackle any upheaval.
MEND had yesterday threatened to resume hostilities in the oil-rich Niger Delta over the 24-year jail term slammed on its leader, Mr Henry Okah, in South Africa.
JTF spokesman Lt.-Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, who reacted to the militant group’s threat to resume an indefinite hostility tomorrow, said there was no justification for arms struggle in a free environment.
Lt.-Col. Nwachukwu, in a statement yesterday said: “Operation Pulo Shield has got wind of the threat, prior to the issuance of the statement today (yesterday) by some persons parading themselves as MEND.

“Niger Deltans are not in any bondage and, therefore, do not require armed struggle or emancipation, as claimed by this threatening gang.
“What Niger Deltans are in a dire need of now is peace for sustainable development, having emerged from the dark days of turbulence in the region. Informed by this development, we have effected some redeployment, to tackle any upheaval.
“This set of people is advised to toe the path of law and order in addressing whatever grievance they have and to desist from any action that will upset the peace and development of the Niger Delta.”
The JTF called on the “good and peace-loving” people of Niger Delta to dissociate themselves, their communities and leadership from the “unwholesome” threat issued by MEND.