Security Joint Task Force (JTF) on Niger Delta yesterday denied that the five persons arrested by its security personnel were on suspected espionage mission to the Niger-Delta.
The spokesman of the JTF, also know as �Operation Restore Hope�, Major Omale Ochagwuba, told THISDAY on phone yesterday afternoon that although some foreigners and their Nigerian companion were arrested in the creeks of Delta State, they were not be classified as espionage suspects.�It is true that we made some arrests, simply because the foreigners did not obtain clearance from security authorities before embarking on the visit or tour of the creeks,� the JTF spokesman said.
He, however, added, �But I wonder where a section of the press got information that they were arrested for espionage from, because the JTF did not tell them so.�Ochagwuba said there was a standing order for people, especially foreign nationals visiting the creeks of the Niger-Delta region to obtain express permission to do so.�
�We all know the implication of foreign nationals touring the creeks here without any prior notice given to us; I mean, we know the implication if these foreigners are attacked by hostage-takers and criminals operation in the area, when they come into the creeks without any authorization or escorts�, he explained.
However, though he would not give the names of those arrested, he stated that they included one Nigerian and three Americans.The spokesman said the mission of the suspects was not clear, because �we were not satisfied with the explanation they gave at the point they were intercepted in the creeks.�
�We are still carrying out our investigations; we can only make a categorical statement on the matter after our investigation,� he said.Nonetheless, THISDAY checks revealed that the persons arrested were on a voyage to the Ijaw Kingdom of Egbema.
However, the team was reportedly led or escorted by the relatively well known leader of the Niger-Delta Professionals, Mr. Joel Bisina.They group also reportedly had video cameras and other communication gadgets in their possession, which aroused the suspicion of the security personnel.Efforts by the JTF Commander, Brig-Gen Naven Rimtip, to keep sealed lips on the arrests until the conclusion of investigation was later jettisoned following series of telephone calls late Saturday, it was learnt.Security concerns in the Niger-Delta area has heightened in recent time, with some service chiefs of the Nigerian Armed Forces, including the Army Chief of Staff and Chief of Naval Staff, Lt-Gen Luka Yusuf and Vice-Admiral Ganiyu Adekeye, respectively making an impromptu visit to Escravos in Delta State Wednesday last week.The service chiefs were accompanied by the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Abubakar Yar�Adua. Meanwhile, the Coalition of Ethnic Nationalities of Nigeria Conference (CENN) has urged the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, get to the root of the massive arms build-up in the country, while condemning hostage�taking and violence in the Niger-Delta. This was contained in a communiqu� issued at the end of the group�s meeting in Warri Saturday night. It was signed by Dr Fredrick Fasehun and Dr. Tony Nwaezeigwe, National President and Secretary respectively, also called for the open trial of the detained. MEND Leaders in accordance with our due process and the rule of law.
Apr142008