Militant Threat / Nigeria 01-200620

THREAT AGAINST GOVERNMENT

 

Event: Militant threats

 

Date and Time: 18 June 2020

 

Location: Akwa Ibom, Nigeria

 

Description: A group of ex-militants called the
Niger Delta Volunteers have issued a 14 day ultimatum to the Nigerian federal government, stating that if the government do not meet the demands, they will shut down oil operations in Akwa Ibom state.

 

The group made the following demands:

• The immediate removal and prosecution of the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio for alleged misconduct and abuse
  of office
• The Interim Management Committee of the Niger Delta Development Commission should be dissolved immediately, and a substantive board reconstituted
  to run the affairs of the Commission.
• A thorough investigation be carried out by the office of the Inspector General of Police to identify the killers of the NDDC’s Acting Executive Director, Finance & Administration, Mr. Ibanga Etang.

 

The group stated that they advised “foreign workers of oil companies and non-indigenes residing in the state to make plans for their early evacuation to avoid loss of precious lives and
property”.

 

Analysis: It is likely that the threats will not be carried out, as statements such as these from groups of former militants are usually prompted by demands for increased funding to payments
linked to amnesty programmes. However, operations in Akwa Ibom state should increase security against possible actions against facilities and against non-local personnel.