The joint military force deployed to protect oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta on Friday reiterated its resolve to crack down on vandals and economic saboteurs.

A statement from its spokesman, Col. Isa Ado, said that the military was poised to deal with a reported threat by vandals to resume attacks on oil facilities.

The statement assured that the force, christened Operation Pulo Shield, would ensure the arrest of perpetrators of such vandalism and their accomplices for prosecution.

“Anybody or group masquerading as militants are criminals and will be resisted and crushed in line with the mandate of the joint force in the Niger Delta.

“The Federal Government granted amnesty to repentant agitators and the grant automatically ends militancy and agitation in the region. Any group or persons by whatever guise will be treated like common criminals.

“The force had carried out aggressive patrols and surveillances within the waterways and the creeks which led to the arrest of suspects, arms and ammunition, illegal oil bunkering vessels and barges.

“Those arrested are at various stages of prosecution in courts of competent jurisdiction.”

It warned vandals that threatened to attack facilities to have a rethink and desist from crossing the path of Operation Pulo Shield or be ready to face the consequences of their action.

“The command is calling on community leaders to advise their subjects, especially youths on the dangers of engaging in any act capable of undermining the security and economy of the country.

“Youths should engage themselves meaningfully to help themselves and the society and avoid any act capable of ruining their future.

“The joint force assures the Niger Delta residents of its determination to wipe out all acts of illegalities in the region and urged them to volunteer useful information to aid the joint force in its operations.” (NAN)

•Photo shows Operation Pulo Shied Commander, Maj.-Gen. Alani Okunlola.

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