The commandant general, Riverine Security (Coast Guard of the Federation), Commander Bibi Oduku, has revealed the identity of the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA).
Commander Oduku also enjoined traditional rulers, community leaders and well-meaning Niger-Deltans to denounce the activities of group as devilish, advising youths in the region not to join this group and other militia groups.
According to him, the NDA hails from Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri Southwest local government area of the state.
Oduku also accused an ex-militant leader of “aiding and abetting criminals in their community in the recent attack on oil and gas installations within and outside the kingdom,” Vanguard reports.
He said: “Investigation by our security outfit has shown that NDA, which has claimed responsibility for the recent attacks on oil facilities in the Niger Delta are from Gbaramatu kingdom.”
Meanwhile, the Ijaw leader from Gbaramatu kingdom, Chief Godspower Gbenekama has revoked Oduku’s claims.
Gbenekama said: “Gbaramatu people are not part of Niger Delta Avengers, which took responsibility for the recent bombing of oil installations in the state and can never be part of them. We condemn their actions and are against pipeline vandalism of any sort. So, we do not see why the army should turn our community to a hunting ground.
“Those who are disgruntled that Tompolo issued a statement against the activities of the group should not make Gbaramatu a battlefront. Tompolo has every right to denunciate the so-called Niger Delta Avengers because they are creating trouble for him, Gbaramatu and Ijaw people as whole.”