Posted by Thenationonlineng.com on
The Army has said militant groups are preparing to launch fresh hostilities in the Niger Delta by training 1,000 new recruits at a camp in Ondo State.
The Army has said militant groups are preparing to launch fresh hostilities in the Niger Delta by training 1,000 new recruits at a camp in Ondo State.
According to the Joint Military Task Force (JTF), the new recruits are being trained "in long range shooting, handling of various sophisticated weapons and the use of explosives."
The allegation could not be independently confirmed but the Arugbo community, which was named as hosting the training camp, has denied any link with the militants.
JTF's spokesman Lt. - Col. Rabe Abubakar, told the Voice of America (VOA) that the Army had implicit confidence in its intelligence.
"We are not saying all the communities are militants. What we are saying specifically is information about putting up of militants' camp outside; it could be in the bush. But that is the name of the general area we are picking," he said.
The allegation preceded a warning by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) that it may end a three-month unilateral cease-fire and resume attacks on oil installations.
MEND launched what it described as an "oil war" in the region in September in response to what it described as unprovoked attacks by the security forces on one of its bases.
The group is holding two British hostages as leverage for the release of its suspected leader, Henry Okah, who is being tried for gun-running and treason.
His lawyers have said Okah is suffering from kidney complications and requires treatment abroad.
They have appealed to the Federal Government to intervene in the matter.
MEND has warned of dire consequences if its leader dies in prison custody.