Threatened Attacks: MEND says it might bomb without warnings

Niger Delta militants before 2009 Amnesty programme

On 15 March, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) warned that, in the light of attempts by the security agencies to dismiss its threat, it may resort to bombing without prior notice and then issue a statement of claim afterwards.

In an earlier statement on 12 March, MEND had threatened to commence simultaneous bomb attacks on oil installations in the Niger Delta and other strategic locations in Abuja and Lagos State; but it said it would issue warnings before each attack. The group advised the general public to stay away from all political gatherings or meetings of any sort.

In the latest email, signed by the group’s spokesperson, Jomo Gbomo, MEND urged Nigerians and all oil companies to disregard all attempts by the Federal Government and security services to dismiss its threats. The email said: “The government of Goodluck Jonathan has formed a habit of blaming its political opponents in other bomb attacks, so when we start to strike, we will sit back and watch how the blame game will continue to be played out by the government, after our statements of claims have being issued”.

It also said that MEND had gathered that some agents from the United States are training some members of the Nigeria Police in bomb detection, detonation and making improvised bombs. It said it found the development “very laughable coming from a country that cannot guarantee its own citizens’ security with their overwhelmed prison system, coupled with a useless and corrupt Nigerian police and security force that will end up selling this knowledge”.

MEND threatens to bomb oil installations, rallies in Niger Delta, Abuja, Lagos

Niger Delta militants, before the Amnesty Programme in 2009

On 14 March, an email purportedly sent by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), warned of renewed attacks on oil and gas installations, and bombing of political rallies ahead of the April general elections. The statement said MEND would resume strikes in the Niger Delta region and also launch attacks in Abuja (the federal capital) and Lagos (the largest commercial centre).

The statement said: “The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (M.E.N.D) advises the general public in the strongest of terms, to stay clear from all political gatherings or meetings of any sort”.

“It should be recalled in our last Independence Day bomb blast that it was due to the callousness of the Nigerian security services and ignorance of the general public that led to the fatality.

“Again, anyone who chooses to ignore this warning does so at their own peril as the aftermath of these blasts will be catastrophic”, the group stated.

According to it, “The government of Goodluck Jonathan has shown its unwillingness to address the key issues of the Niger Delta but chosen instead, to continue doling out bribes to thugs and plunder the resources of the Niger Delta into his presidential campaign while deceiving the world and Nigerians that there is peace in the Niger Delta”.

“Our revolution like our fellow brothers in Northern Africa will start with the crippling of the Nigerian oil industry to flush out all Western oil companies operating in the Niger Delta region and the simultaneous bomb blasts never anticipated in the history of this country.

“The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta salutes the courage and dedication of its fighters who have against all odds persisted in the fight for justice”, the statement concluded.

There have been no major attacks on oil installations since about 20,000 ex-militants accepted the Federal Government’s offer of amnesty, followed by a post-amnesty rehabilitation programme in 2009. However, MEND claimed responsibility for car bombs near an Independence Day parade in Abuja last October which killed at least 10 people. Immediately after that, it’s suspected mastermind, Henry Okah, was charged in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he lives, with conspiracy and terrorism. He denied the charges but remains in detention. Other suspected leaders – including Henry’s brother, Charles – have been arrested in Nigeria and are standing trial.

The latest statement was signed by Jomo Gbomo, the pseudonym used by the group’s spokesmen in the past. But no one is sure whether the threat is coming from the real MEND, or from some other group, masquerading as a Niger Delta militant organisation. Since the October bombing, several false threats purporting to be from MEND have been sent and the group has changed its email address a number of times. It is thus not possible to verify the authenticity of the latest email.

Security authorities have shrugged off the MEND threat. The military Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta, through its spokesman Lt. Col. Timothy Antigha, said it was up to the task of containing MEND within the Niger Delta.

Inspector General of Police Hafiz Ringim said, in a statement by Force Public Relations Officer Olusola Amore, that: “We are not given to threat by any criminal gang or group in guise of MEND. The police are ever ready to prevent any act of criminality against innocent Nigerians”. The statement also urged all Nigerians “to be vigilant and to work in collaboration with the police to prevent the few criminal elements among us from making living difficult and impossible for the majority of Nigerians”.