DHQs draws battle line with militants

DHQs draws battle line with militants

News Nov 13, 2010 By Kingsley Omonobi Abuja
The Defence Headquarters hinted, yesterday, of plan to “clean out”existing militant camps following the recent wave of attacks by those it described as “criminals masquerading under the guise of militants.”
It therefore warned law abiding citizens living in the vicinity of such camps in the Niger Delta to relocate immediately with a view to avoiding “collateral damage.”
“No camp will be tolerated again in the Niger Delta. Within the next few days, anybody trying to establish camps will have themselves to blame”,the Chief of  Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshall Oluseyi Petinrin said in a statement.

2nd left: Air Chief Marshal Petinrin, Chief of Defence Staff

The CDS in the riot act said: “In order to significantly reduce violence, conflict and lawlessesness, and to begin long-term development of the Niger Delta, the Federal Government commenced the Presidential Amnesty initiative, which started on 6th August 2009 and ended on 4th October 2009.
“It is an unconditional pardon to all persons who have directly or indirectly participated in the commission of offences associated with militant activities in the Niger Delta and was to lead to the reintegration of militants into the larger society after the hand-over of their arms. Since the end of the amnesty on October 4 2009, no one is expected to be living in a militant camp.
“As I have said earlier, after the granting of amnesty, all the militants who embraced the programme were expected to have laid down their arms and re-integrated themselves into their various communities. Anybody committing any illegality thereafter is a criminal”.
“We have observed with concern some criminal acts within the last few days, by some people claiming to be militants. We are all aware of the kidnappings, illegal boarding of oil rigs and other acts of brigandage that have been committed by these criminals”.
“I want to repeat that these people are criminals and will be treated as such. Many of these criminals are known to be hiding in camps within the creeks of the Niger delta. These camps will no longer be tolerated”.
“To avoid collateral damage, we are seizing this opportunity to instruct all law abiding citizens who live around the vicinity of these camps to leave immediately. Enough is enough.
All efforts will be made to assist those who may need to relocate temporarily until the clearing out of these den of common criminals have been concluded”.
On suggestion that the recent wave of attack may be the handiwork of militants who were schemed out of the Amnesty programme as a way of protest, Petinrin said, “An amnesty does not exist for ever. A period was given for those who want to submit their arms to do so”.
“What we are saying is that henceforth, anybody who hide under the guise of militancy and continues to disturb the peace and security of the nation will be dealt with”.