Troops warn militants not to bomb pipelines

The joint military task force protecting oil installations in the Niger Delta,

The spokesman of the military team, Col Isa Ado also revealed that it foiled an attempt by militants to destroy a pipeline belonging to Agip.

Ado said “On same day, troops in continuation of its raid on suspected pipeline vandals’ camps carried out cordon and search operation in Oporoma Community of Delta.

“Ten suspected pipeline vandals were arrested during the operation, one pistol, 195 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 14 handheld radio set, 30 detonating cords and several phones with SIM cards were recovered.”

He also added that “Those behind this heinous act of bombing of critical installations in the region are warned to have a rethink and tow the line of peace by adopting a legitimate means to address their grievances instead of taking the law into their hands.

“We must embrace and support the laudable and bold initiative by the government to dialogue for peace and development, and call on the communities to guide their youths against acts capable of sabotaging the economy of the nation.”

The Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) has denied meeting with Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu.