Nigerian Military on High Alert to Combat Militancy in Niger Delta
The Chief of Defense Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olonishakin, has said the military has placed troops on high alert to combat any militant attack in the Niger Delta.
Olonishakin spoke today at the inauguration of 25 locally built gunboats donated to troops of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder in Port Harcourt.
He said the military was currently assessing the situation in the Niger Delta with focus to maintaining law and order in the region.
According to him, the nation cannot tolerate any criminality by individuals and groups especially at a period the nation was faced with serious economic downturn.
“The Defense (Headquarters) is up and doing, and we want to warn them (militants) that the military will not take it lightly in cases of disturbances.
“Any threat by them will be met with appropriate military actions.
“We have directed our troops to be on red alert as well as ensure that criminals and vandals who sabotage the national assets are brought to book,” he said.
Olonishakin expressed optimism the 25 gunboats newly acquired by the Nigerian Navy would drastically reduce oil theft, sea piracy and other forms of illegalities in the nation maritime environment.
Also, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Ibok-Ekwe Ibas, said the navy employed the services of local engineers to construct the 25 gun boats to save cost and cut capital flight.
He said President Muhammadu Buhari had approved local construction of additional 50 security patrol boats to be delivered in the coming months.
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