A militant group operating in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria claims it blew up the Afiesere-Ekiugbo delivery line, operated by the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company, NPDC/Shoreline Petroleum at Ughelli, Delta state on Sunday.
The group, Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate, NDGJM, in a statement by self-styled Gen Aldo Agbalaja on Monday said its strike force, “at about 11:30 pm on Sunday, September 18, 2016, struck the Afiesere – Ekiugbo delivery line in Ughelli, operated by NPDC/Shoreline,” in continuation of its Operation Crocodile Tears.
The group ridiculed the ongoing military operations in the Niger Delta tagged Operation Crocodile Smile as well as the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai over inability to protect oil installations from attacks in the statement. It also warned oil companies and the military of even bigger attacks ahead.
“The Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate is just starting, you are yet to see what we are about, by the time the alpha operations are initiated, you will need more than these fighter jets to keep your troops safe in any part of the Niger Delta,” NDGJM said.
While warning oil and gas companies not to put their trust in the guns and fighter jets of the Nigerian armed forces, the group said:
“We have observed that you have placed your trust in the guns and fighter jets of the Nigerian armed forces, our words for you are few: keep at it and wait for your rewards, which have almost come upon you. It is a reflection of your minds towards our people; you obviously do not believe that the people of this part are deserving of good lives.
“You hide behind the guns of the oppressors to pillage our lands and our people, leaving us despoiled and our lands raped. You do all manners of things you will dare not imagine in other parts of the world where you operate.”
“Here, you have failed all basic corporate social responsibilities, leaving the people to languish in lack and ruin. Continue with your insolence against our people, but we will vow to you today that we shall uproot every asset and facility you think you have secured with soldiers and their guns.
“Shorelines, First Hydrocarbon, NPDC, Seplat, Total E&P, Shell, Agip, Saipem, Mobil and co wait for us, we are just coming out for you.”