Monday 19 September 2011

Oil facilities threatened •As suspected Boko Haram members arrive in Warri •FG deploys soldiers at northern borders

THERE are fears over likely attacks on oil installations in Warri, Warri Local Government Area of Delta State, as security agents were, on Sunday, put on red alert, following a report on the arrival of three vehicles loaded with suspected Boko Haram  members.
Nigerian Tribune gathered that the vehicles that brought the suspected sect members arrived in Warri at about 4.00 a.m.
Warri houses major oil installations from which the country derives the largest percentage of its revenue.
Sources disclosed that undercover security agents were informed about the development by an informant leading to a frantic security search for the suspected Boko Haram members.
“We got a signal that three vehicles brought in some suspected Boko Haram sect members into Warri early today (Sunday). We have cordoned the areas we suspect they might take up residence.
“We have also held a meeting with the leadership of the Hausa community in Warri, with an agreement to report new entrants into the oil city,” a highly placed security source disclosed.
Nigerian Tribune observed security agents moving around Warri city on Sunday in search of the suspected Boko Haram members.
Heavy security was also observed at Hausa Quarters on the Warri-Sapele Road, as well as Ugwuwagbe area.
Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Charles Muka, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), said he was yet to be briefed, but assured the people that adequate security arrangements were in place to thwart any threat in any part of the state.
FG deploys soldiers
at borders
Meanwhile, all the nation’s northern borders have received heightened security alerts lately, following intelligence reports suggesting regular influx of violent elements into the country from neighbouring countries.
Consequently, soldiers have been deployed in the official border areas as well as illegal routes in the North.
A security source told the Nigerian Tribune that land borders in the North-West and the North-East had been of particular interest to the security agencies, since trans- border activities of religious extremists in that part of the country had been confirmed.
Apart from the traditional security and para-military forces who man the border posts, the source said the military itself had been involved in curtailing the activities of terrorists believed to be escaping to these neighbouring countries after perpetrating atrocities in Nigeria.
The Libyan crisis and reports of the escape of some of Moammer Gaddafi’s soldiers into neighbouring Niger Republic, the source said, had added to security concerns along the borders with that country.
The matter is made worse with the reported involvement of some Nigerians in the Libyan war, some of who could also escape home through these borders with the tendency of linking up with the home-grown terrorists currently planting and detonating bombs in Nigeria.
The comptroller of customs, Adamawa/ Taraba command, Mr Joseph Sambo, confirmed the security alert at the borders in the area.  He gave kudos to the Brigader Commander 23 Armoured Brigade, Yola, Brigadier-General John Nwaoga, who he said had been very supportive to other agencies in providing security at the borders.

Source:  Nigerian Tribune

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