We are civil in dealing with militants, says military

Operation Delta Safe, the joint military force deployed to the Niger Delta, says it has been professional and civil in dealing with security threats by militant groups.

Joseph Okojie, commander of the joint operation, said this in Yenagoa, capital of Bayelsa, on Tuesday, after a meeting with his unit commanders.

He explained that the deployment of troops and equipment noticed on Monday at Kaima in Bayelsa, was part of normal operations to keep the region safe.

Troops and military hardware were deployed to Kaima in Bayelsa following threats by a militant group to take control of the area.

“The Federal Republic of Nigeria belongs to all of us and the armed forces have the freedom to be at any part of Nigeria at any time, we are merely doing our normal duty within our mandate,” he said.

“We were in Kaima to show that Operation Delta Safe was on ground to ensure that the report by some faceless organisations about creating a ‘territory’ to themselves is not allowed to happen.

“The heavy presence being noticed in parts of the Niger Delta is part of our routine duties to guarantee the safety of law abiding that people of Niger Delta and ensure atmosphere conducive for economic activities.

“I am sure that we did not molest or intimidate anyone, we shall be professional and civil in the discharge of our duties.

“Our presence is part of our normal duty to reassure the people that there is no cause for alarm.”

Okojie explained that the meeting with component commanders of Operation Delta Safe was to review the achievements of the operation to ensure that they were mission-oriented.