The military invaded Kaiama, Kolukuma/Opokuma Local Government Council of Bayelsa State to calm residents and show that the military can protect them, Commander of the Operation Delta Save, Rear Admiral Joseph Okojie has said.

Soldiers from the Military Task Force had at the weekend stormed Kaiama community, venue for the planned declaration of the Niger Delta Republic by the militant group, the Adaka Boro Avengers.

Admiral Okojie, who spoke with journalists after meeting with unit commanders of the joint military force in the region, said the ‘routine operation’ was to re-assure the public that their safety is guaranteed.

Okojie called on people of the Niger Delta to go about their normal businesses, saying that the army has the constitutional responsibility to ensure security all over Nigeria, in the light of a faceless organization that wants to set up a country of their own.

“The Federal Government belongs to all of us and men of the armed forces can be deployed anywhere, at any time. We decided to show our presence in the area, especially as Operation Delta Save covers the whole Niger Delta maritime area.

“If you see our presence in any area, it is just our operation that we are carrying out and you can see that no one was assaulted. I hope you also read the report that a faceless organization announced it was establishing a republic for themselves. So, we could not allow this to happen.

The ODS commander, giving reasons for the meeting with unit commanders, said it was necessary as multi-agencies taskforce needed to review and re-strategise in order to be able to strengthen their operations.

Meanwhile, Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson has asked political and opinion leaders, across the state and the Niger Delta to show more understanding and co-operate with the security agencies in their current efforts at maintaining peace, law and order.

While urging youths of the region to be law abiding, he urged them to channel their grievances through relevant organs of the government.Dickson also called for continued collaboration between government and the people of the region at ensuring lasting peace and development in the region.

The Governor, according to a statement issued yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, gave the charge during a state security council meeting in Yenagoa.Dickson also enjoined the various security agencies to collaborate with the government in sustaining the existing peace and security in the state.

Also, state Commissioner of Police, Adeyemi Ogunjelimusi, advised youths in the region to look for a legitimate means of livelihood.Ogunjelimusi warned that it would not be business as usual for pipeline vandals and other criminal elements.