Sunday, 25 September 2016

Navy parades two suspected members of Avengers


The Nigerian Navy on Saturday paraded two suspects believed to be members of the militant group, Niger Delta Avengers, arrested by officers of the Nigerian Navy Ship in Delta State.

While parading the suspects at the Warri Naval Base, Warri, Commander, NNS Delta, Commodore Joseph Dzunve, said the suspects were behind series of attacks on oil and gas facilities, especially in Warri South-West Council Area of the state.

Specifically, Commodore Dzunve disclosed that the suspects were behind the attacks on Chevron Nigerian Limited facilities between May and July 2016.

The suspects, identified as Stanley Toghan and Felix Miyenminiye, were arrested in Sapele area of the state.

The naval chief said, “You are all aware of the recent series of attack on oil and gas facilities in the Niger Delta and in particular Delta State, which some groups/persons have claimed responsibilities.

“I am pleased to inform you that after persistent efforts, the Nigerian Navy Ship, Delta, being part of the maritime component of the Operation Delta Safe, has arrested two suspects responsible for the attack on Chevron facilities, witnessed between May and July 2016, around Warri North axis of Delta state.”

Dzunve told journalists that the suspects had provided useful information that would help to tackle criminal activities in the region.

He added, “It is important to mention that the suspects are also deeply involved in pipeline vandalism and sea robbery along the waterways in Warri-North axis. The suspects have provided useful information and the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies remain committed to apprehending those behind all forms of criminal activities in the Nigerian maritime domain.”

Meanwhile, kinsmen of former President Goodluck Jonathan, especially youths, have warned against linking the former president with the Avengers.

After a meeting on Saturday in Ogbia, the local government headquarters of the ex-president, the youth wing of the Ogbia Brotherhood, absolved the former President of any link with the group.

They said it was wicked, senseless and unthinkable for anybody or group of persons to insinuate that Jonathan contemplated violence against anybody, especially against Nigeria, a country which they said he loves so dearly.

The National President, Ogbia Brotherhood Youth Wing, Dr. Laguo Gilbert, insisted that Jonathan had no vengeful traits, describing him as “a man of peace and father of modern democracy in Africa.”

Gilbert said, “History has it that even from his youth, Goodluck Jonathan has been a humble peace-lover who values good and quality education. This is why with such great thoughts, he was able to grow to his current political position not minding his background.

“Moreover, Jonathan’s political activities from being a deputy governor to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria were in line with his true thoughts and character anchored on peace, integrity and drive for quality education. Truly, this has been demonstrated in the last 2015 general elections.”

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