In Nigeria the fight against Terrorism gets messier

We Will Bomb Fuel Tankers –MEND

Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has resumed hostilities in the Niger Delta region.



The militant group’s field operatives yesterday about 5 am stealthily attached portable military limpet explosives magnetically to two articulated tanker vehicles laden with petrol in a queue outside the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) depot in Abaji, the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

In a statement by its spokesman, Jomo Gbomo, the devices with a predictable outcome were timed to detonate simultaneously several seconds later.

He said this segment of Exodus codenamed ‘Operation Touch and Go’ is targeted at the soft underbelly (downstream sector) of the oil industry in Nigeria.

“From today, every tanker vehicle we find distributing petroleum products, including propane gas has become a legitimate target in our war against injustice, corruption, despotism and oppression.


“Drivers of tanker vehicles continue to drive them at their own risk. The public is hereby advised to maintain a safe distance from such vehicles as they can explode anytime and anywhere, ” he said.

He warned that harassment of the tanker vehicles would be sustained until the following demands are met: “Henry Okah, his brother Charles and other innocent persons set up as scapegoats and held over the October 1, 2010, twin car bombings in Abuja should be released unconditionally.

“That an unreserved apology be tendered by the Nigerian government to MEND for presenting a forged email letter threatening the South African government purportedly originated from us and used as evidence in the sham trial and conviction of Henry Okah.

“That a separate independent body outside Nigeria investigates the forged letter so as to ascertain its authenticity and make their findings public.

“That since our struggle has never been about Goodluck Jonathan’s Presidency, nor about being beneficiaries of dubious pipeline protection contracts and other forms of bribery, a conference to address the injustice, underdevelopment, environmental degradation and outstanding root issues confronting the Niger Delta region must be fixed to hold within three months and that Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke resigns as Minister of Petroleum.”

AS

JTF engaged in  Five Hour Gunfight With Boko Haram

Residents of Damaturu, the Yobe state capital, have reported what they believe to have been a gun battle between security forces and members of the Boko Haram, which lasted for over 5 hours on Sunday night.

The relative peace currently being enjoyed in Damaturu the Yobe state capital suffered a setback as sound of gunshots were heard throughout the night.

Sporadic gunshots were heard within the Damaturu metropolis from 9pm and lasted for over five hours.

Although an official statement is still being expected from either the Joint Task Force (JTF) or the police on the cause of the gunshots, residents believe it was a clash between security forces and the radical Islamic sect; the Boko Haram.

Yobe State government had four days ago reviewed the restriction of movement from 9pm to 6am in Damaturu, while curfew in other towns remained 6pm to 6am daily.

The last time gunshots were heard in Damaturu was 9 months ago when a field commander of the radical sect; Bakaka was killed in a gun duel with JTF at Khandahar area of Damaturu.