Former Niger Delta Liberation Force members support US military actions against terrorists in northern Nigeria but warn that neglecting the Delta could cause further unrest.
The group’s previous spokesman, Capt. Mark Anthony, said terrorism had killed many Nigerians and praised the U.S. for fighting it.
“We commend and support U.S. military operations against terrorists in Northern Nigeria,” it declared.
Former agitators said their armed fight was fueled by economic considerations, notably resource control demands, and they never targeted civilians.
“Our fight was for survival, not for killing innocent Nigerians,” they said.
They also thanked the Nigerian government for providing pipeline monitoring contracts to Tantita Security Services Limited and other former fighters, which protected oil infrastructure and maintained Niger Delta calm.
The group cautioned that the region’s relative peace was fragile, citing underdevelopment in many oil-producing towns.
According to the statement, Niger Delta unrest is fueled by poor infrastructure, clean water, healthcare, roads, and electricity.
The group also asked the Niger Delta Development Commission to fulfill its purpose, warning that underdevelopment in the Delta threatens Nigeria’s and the world’s security.
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