Resurgence Of Militancy In Niger Delta

AFTER years of normalcy in the oil-rich Niger Delta region, following the Amnesty Programme initiated by late President Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua’s administration to calm militancy in the area, the recent bombing of pipelines in some parts of the region has signified a gradual return of the militants.

Even though nobody or group has claimed responsibility for the attack, the suspicion even within the government circle is that the act was perpetrated by some militants in the area. Even one of the ex-militants, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, whose order of arrest by the court coincided with the multiple attacks has vehemently denied involvement in the act.

Already, the development is taking a toll on the economy of the country as it has forced the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) to shut down the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries. Also affected is the electricity supply that has reduced by 700 megawatts. Apart from these, Federal Government is losing billions of Naira daily in oil revenues since the attacks were carried out.

Since the attack occurred, tongues have been wagging. While some have condemned it totally, others have warned against using force to quell it, considering that such approach failed in the past.

President Muhammadu Buhari on his on part has vowed to deal decisively with the seeming resurgence of oil theft, vandalism of pipelines and insecurity in the Niger Delta.

Declaring that the Nigerian Armed Forces had already dealt “deadly blows” on Boko Haram, Mr. Buhari said the activities of oil thieves and vandals would soon be brought to an end, according to a statement by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu.

“The oil thieves and abductors are a less problematic target. We will reorganise and deal with them,” he was quoted as saying.

A retired military officer and security expert, Captain Umar Aliyu told The Guardian yesterday that the full law of economic sabotage should be brought to bear in handling the situation.

He said: “Economic sabotage applies to terrorism and militancy. The laws are there. Nobody should be spared.