The high command of the Niger Delta Avengers has called on members of the group and other militant groups in the Niger Delta to stop attacking oil workers and soldiers.
The call was made in a statement signed by Mudoch Agbinibo, Niger Delta Avengers spokesperson.
Titled “Message To Our Brothers In The Struggle,” the statement said the campaign for the liberation of the region has taken a new shape with the daily emergence of new groups involved in the struggle and called on all groups to remain committed.
“The war is on oil installations; the high command is calling on all groups in Rivers, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River and Akwa Ibom not to indulge in any act of kidnapping and attacking of soldiers,” said the statement.
It added that any group that goes against the warning will face severe sanctions.
“When it is time to engage the military in combat the whole world will know they started the war not the Avengers.
“The Niger Delta Avengers high command will pass the message round that its time to engage in gun battle when it is time.
“So far, we have not engaged the Nigeria military in combat.
“Despite the heavy presence of military on the pipelines, we still find ways to carry out our actions without attacking soldiers.
“The Avengers will deal with any group that refuses and attack military,” warned the high command.
The leadership of the group noted that the emergence of new groups has given the liberation struggle a new shape, but warned against the use of missiles and anti-aircraft missiles by those who claim to have them. Attacks on soldiers and oil workers, said the high command, will rob the struggle of sympathy from the international community.
“Let us be careful not offend God in the process of trying to liberate our people from the shackles of the Nigerian government because we need God more than anything right now.
“We also need the international bodies as well. Hence, we must desist from any life threatening actions that will derail our genuine struggle for our people.
“We urge you all to help any oil workers or soldiers you see in distress.
“The military warplanes hovering round our towns and villages have not strike a soul or destroy (sic) any property, so those groups with anti-aircraft missiles should dry their gunpowder,” the high command cautioned.
