SOME foreign mercenaries are believed to be undergoing training in militants’ camps in the Niger Delta, but the Joint Task Force (JTF), otherwise known as Operation Restore Hope is monitoring their moves, and has made a requisition for more weapons and ammunition from the military authorities to check the anticipated fresh offensive by militants.
The military authorities are also investigating alleged leakage of a highly classified security brief on militants in the region.
The JTF, in a secret memo said the mercenaries were sighted at the Mackiver camp, around Olugbobiri area in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Over 300 fighters were said to be in this camp, led by one Joshua Mackiver and they are armed with AK-47s and GPMGs. �Recent intelligence reveals that he (Joshua) may have acquired RPG 7 launchers, with foreign mercenaries sighted at his camp, training some of the boys on handling of weapons. It is believed he (travelled) to South Africa in 2007, where he made arrangements to acquire the RPGs,� the report said.
To fix the militant camps in Delta State, which was marked Zone A, the Task Force said a total of 68 FPCs were required to carry out the operations in Delta State.
According to the brief, two FPCs each were required at Jones Creek, Otunana, Otumara, and Batan, while four each were required at Escravos, Odidi, Forcados and Yokri- three.
To fix the militant camps in Zone B, Bayelsa, the JTF requested 4 FPCs at Yenagoa, Kolo Creek and two FPCs at Obama. It, however, suggested that if the unserviceable FPCs were repaired, only an additional 21 would be required.
As at now, he said the JTF has three infantry units and an artillery battery employed on infantry role, naval and air force components, 62 fast patrol crafts. �It is desirable that each location be equipped to win any fire fight. Therefore, every location should have basic infantry support weapons like GPMG, BMG and RPG 7.
�However, it is unfortunate that most of the locations are equipped with personal weapons like AK-47 and FN rifles only. Each of the three units under command should be equipped beyond their established Table of Equipment (TOE) in arms.
This is more so because troops attached from the various units to the ATG have been distributed to the units, which resulted into bloated strengths of the units,� he said.
The JTF boss noted: �The terrain of most parts of the Niger Delta is no doubt severely restricted to both infantry and armour, and the situation is worse in the riverine communities, which are interspersed with creeks� and for the militants who have lived all their lives in this environment, it does not constitute much hindrance to their activities.
The much hindrance the terrain offers to the Nigeria Army troops is directly proportional to the advantage it confers on the militants. Their good knowledge of the terrain enhances their guerilla tactics.
�The advantages the terrain confers on the militants can be neutralised by combat air operations, using helicopter gun ships, while employment of sufficient fast patrol crafts can also assist troops to beach land safely and gradually wade through the creeks to seize objectives. However, the operation will be intensive in manpower and will also demand close air support, casualty evacuation and supply by air,� he said.