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Following the more frequent bombings by militant group, Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) President Muhammadu Buhari met with his predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan, on Thursday night, June 2, at the presidential villa. Details of the meeting is however unknown as at press time as Mr Jonathan just returned to the country on Wednesday, June 1 after a long trip abroad during. While away, it was reported that Mr Jonathan had gone on self-exile, a report he denied. Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari had received the former president Olusegun Obasanjo in Aso Rock villa on Jume 3, Friday.

The Nigerian Air Force has deployed additional aircraft to Niger Delta region against militancy, economic sabotage and all forms of criminalities. A statement by NAF reads: “The Nigerian Air Force has deployed additional aircraft to the Niger Delta in support of the military operations code named “Operation Pulo Shield” against militancy, economic sabotage and all forms of criminalities in the south-south region of the country. “The deployment was necessitated by the recent spate of attacks on the Nation’s oil and gas installations by the new militant group, Niger Delta Avengers (NDA). “The additional platforms, comprising fighter aircraft, helicopter gunship and surveillance aircraft, are intended to enhance the capability of the NAF to undertake offensive air operations and intelligence gathering in support of the surfaces forces. “Since the recent deployment the NAF has increased air operations around critical infrastructure in Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ib

After blowing up the SPDC forcados 48" Exportline, belonging to Shell, because of negligence to warnings about repair works, the Niger Delta Avengers have issued a stern warning to Agip regarding repair works on blown pipelines in Bayelsa.  The SPDC forcados 48" Exportline was blown up at 3:00a.m this morning, 3rd June and posted on the NDA's  twitter page . For the same reason, Agip has been warned via its twitter  page  as well. See screenshot below:

In the wee hours of this morning, the Niger Delta Avengers blew up the Brass to Tebidaba crude oil pipeline in Bayelsa. The incident was reported to have happened at 3:00am via the militant group's twitter account. Nigerians following them on twitter have shown support towards their onslaught, praising them for their actions using comments as such below. What the Author thinks: The Federal government should do something about this but not by using violence. Deploying gunboats and jet fighters is not in any way going to solve the problem. Having tried that and failed, a new and subtle approach should be employed but it has to be dialogue. This i think should be done so as to halt bloodshed and destruction as well as the tension looming around the area. Delays and strong head will only cause more problems than good as our barrels per day drops and foreign investors in the oil sector leave.

Angry Muslim youths in Kano on Thursday May 2 evening decapitated a woman trader over allegations that she blasphemed Prophet Muhammad. The victim, who was said to be of Igbo extraction was accused of blasphemy during a religious argument at Wambai market. The woman, who sells plastics at the local market was in the company of her husband when she was murdered. Contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Kano Police Command, DSP Musa Magaji, confirmed the incident. He said, "At about 4:30 pm, there was a disagreement between the murdered woman and some traders bordering on religion. The woman was said to have blasphemed Prophet Mohammed, which did not go down well with the mob." He said, the woman whose named he didn't disclose, was in the company of her husband when the incident happened but the timely intervention of the police saved the husband, who was immediately whisked for safety. Vanguard reports that the reportedly atrocious statement were ma

The NDA posted on its Twitter page, taking credit for blowing up Ogboinbiri to Tebidaba and Clough Creek to Tebidaba crude oil pipelines in Bayelsa state at 2:00am today. Still on its Twitter page, it has denied the attack on the military houseboat which was reported as their doing See screenshots below :

The new Niger Delta militant group has said that President Muhammadu Buhari is set for the final breakup of Nigeria, Daily Post reports. The group naming itself the Joint Niger Delta Liberation Force (JNDLF) has emerged recently. It threatened to launch six missiles in the region on June 7 in an operation it said would surprise Nigerians and the entire world. The militants demanded that the Nigerian army must peacefully leave Ijaw communities and promised to bring down military helicopters if any to be deployed. The group said that their missiles are capable of bringing down any aircraft no matter how big. The statement of the group, that affiliated with Niger Delta Avengers, was signed by General Akotebe Darikoro, Commander, General Duties; General Torunnanaowei Latei, Creeks Network Coordinator; General Agbakakuro Owei-Tauro, Pipelines Bleeding Expert; and General Pulokiri Ebiladei of its Intelligence Bureau. It reads: “We have seen and noted that President Muham

– Two soldiers and six civilians have been killed during attack on soldiers’ houseboat at Efe-Ugbokodo area in Delta state – Death toll is expected to rise, as the details of the fight between military officers and gunmen remain sketchy Vanguard reports about a sudden attack launched by a group of armed men on a military houseboat operated by the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company on Wednesday evening. The unidentifed militants allegedly killed two soldiers and sank the houseboat at Efe-Ugbokodo area in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta state. According to several media sources, the onslaught occurred during a routine patrol conducted by the soldiers deployed to safe-guard oil facilities around 6.30pm and 8pm. An anonymous military officer confirmed the attack and added: “I cannot give you details of the incident but I can confirm to you that a military houseboat was attacked by suspected militants. I cannot confirm the number of causalities to you right now a

President Muhammadu Buhari was scheduled to travel to the Niger Delta region to commission the process of cleaning up the Ogoni land. However, earlier today, June 2, the president cancelled his trip to the state. While, no official reason was given for the cancellation of the visit, it followed threats by Niger Delta militants on the life of the leader of the nation. Though the presidency is yet to issue an official statement, we already know that President Muhammadu Buhari will not be attending the flag off ceremony for the cleaning of Ogoni land in Rivers state. He is being represented by his vice Yemi Osinbajo. I could remember telling a colleague of mine (who hails from Ogoni) yesterday that Buhari was never going to come to Ogoni land. Can i speak freely by saying our President who happens to be the most powerful man in Nigeria (LOL) is scared. Such a shame, but we are still patiently waiting to hear his excuse.

In preparation for the historic visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to the state on Thursday, June 2, the Rivers State governement has announced a ban on the operation of motorcycles and tricycles in Gokana and Khana local government areas of the state that would last from 6am to 6pm. The state governor, Nyesom Wike, called on the Rivers people to stay peaceful and law-abiding during the president’s trip, which he described as historic. “The security agencies have been directed to enforce this ban and ensure full compliance,” Mr. Wike said. Mr. Wike said the president’s visit was “historic” in two ways: one, it was his first to the state since he (Buhari) assumed office, and secondly, it was for “the largest environmental clean-up in our nation’s history”. “Mr. President is here as the father of the nation who cares about the environmental and developmental challenges that we face as one of his primary constituencies. Accordingly, his presence in Rivers State is not an occas

Niger Delta militants has issued fresh ultimatum to the government of President Muhammadu Buhari on June 1, Wednesday, The Punch reports. The said the Federal government must release the corpses of 10 pro-Biafra agitators till Friday, June 3, 2016. The militants also threatened to revenge “unprovoked” killing of pro-Biafra activists by the Nigerian army. The Niger Delta militants in a statement released on-line clarified that their determination to revenge the attack on the pro-Biafra supporters was reached after an emergency meeting organised by some leaders of different militant groups in the oil rich region. The statement reads in part: “If Federal government fails to release them (corpses) by Friday, June 3, 2016, they will hear from us from Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Edo states.” Precious Iyoyo, aka General Playboy, the leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Democratic Front, and his colleague of the Concerned Militant Leaders, General Ben, stated tha

Following the assassination threat which was made in a recording sent to IBTimes UK, a man is heard saying during a phone conversation with one of the hosts of the UK-based Radio Biafra that Buhari would be signing his death warrant by visiting the delta. However, a sections of Nigerian particularly from the north have expressed outrage over the threats by the militants to assassinate the president, warning that an attempt to do that will spell doom for the Niger delta. Others on the other hand urged the militants to employ other avenues of making their agitation known.

The minister of information and culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has blamed the current tomato scarcity in the country on Boko Haram. In the past two months the crop has been very expensive as a result of acute scarcity, which the federal government blamed on tuta absoluta, a pest known as ‘tomato ebola’. The minister of agriculture, Audu Ogbeh, said the government was making efforts to contain the outbreak which had ravaged six states already. Mohammed speaking in an interview on Channels Television, said the insecurity in the north-east had forced many farmers out of the zone. He said: “People talk about the price of tomato but they forget one thing; they forget that the price of tomato today is a direct result of the fact that we have lost two years harvest to Boko Haram insurgency. “Most of the people you see riding Okada (motorcycles) in Lagos are people who would have been in the farm to produce consumable items.” The minister said he was convinced that the tomato s

A major British newspaper has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to recognize he has failed to live up to his pledge to destroy Boko Haram. Writing for the Guardian (UK), journalist Simon Tisdall says President Buhari has completely failed in his campaign to destroy the Islamist terror group. Tisdall argues that far from making Nigeria safer, the president’s policies have created more instability throughout the country. "President Muhammadu Buhari was elected through a hard line security manifesto but his harsh approach to unrest of any kind may be causing more problems than it solves across Nigeria as a whole,” he said. The journalist points out that since Buhari became president last year agitation for the actualization of Biafra has increased in the southeast, as has violence between farmers and Fulani cattle herders in the middle belt. He quotes the International Crisis Group’s analyst for Nigeria Nnamdi Obasi as saying that President Buhari’s hard line polic

A professed member of the Niger Delta Avengers has warned the life of President Muhammadu Buhari will be in danger if he visits the Ogoniland, the oil rich area of Rivers state. In a recording sent to IBTimes UK, a man is heard saying during a phone conversation with one of the hosts of the UK-based Radio Biafra that Buhari would be signing his death warrant by visiting the delta. Buhari is due to visit several states in southeastern Nigeria to discuss with local leaders ways to tackle renewed violence in the area. The president’s planned visit, expected to begin on Thursday (2 June 2016) – comes amid attacks on oil pipelines blamed on the new group Niger Delta Avengers (NDA). The Niger Delta Avengers have carried out a series of raids on oil installations recently The attacks have partially halted oil production and forced Chevron and Royal Dutch Shell to close at least two plants. “Buhari is trying to visit Ogoniland, but he should sign his death warrant before coming

The militant group, Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) have blown up two oil wells belonging to Chevron oil. According to the militants who announced the bombing via their Twitter account said despite the presence of 100 Gunboats, 4 Warships and Jet Bombers belonging to the Nigerian army, it blew up Chevron’s Oil Well RMP 23 and RMP 24 at about 3:44am Wednesday, June 1. Below is a screenshot of their Twitter page. In another case, the rumours that militant group, Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) are planning to blow up the Ikorodu Police Station, the Atlas Cove, the Third Mainland Bridge and other targets in Lagos state has been dismissed by the Lagos state police command.

A 26-year-old lady identified as Jamila Musa, is currently fighting for her life at the hospital, after being bathed with acid in her house on Sunday, May 29. The indigene of Edo state who works with Flour Mills of Nigeria, said she had recognized the voice of her assailant prior to being bathed in acid. Here’s what she said below: “A minute to 10pm on Sunday, I was sleeping in my room when I heard a knock on my door. I didn’t recognize the voice immediately but now I am sure of the voice. He said my boyfriend sent him to give me a message. My boyfriend usually sends motorcycle operators to me so I assumed he was the one that sent this one and as I was trying to open the door, he poured the acid on my face. I rushed outside, I could not shout for about five minutes but when I started shouting, my neighbours gathered and washed my face with soap; they applied honey and pap to it before rushing me to the hospital. I suspect his wife sent someone to attack me, I did not know

The Nigerian Army has reportedly imposed a dusk to dawn curfew in Pandogari, Rafi local government area of Niger state, following the outbreak of religious violence and the killing of a Christian over alleged blasphemous comments about Prophet Mohammed on the social media. The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Major NC Agwu, in a statement, gave further details on the violence. He said, “At about 6pm on Sunday, 29 May 2016, one Mr. Methodus Chimaije Emmanuel, a 24-year-old trader based in Pandogari, Rafi LGA of Niger State was attacked and killed by a mob in the town on allegation of posting a blasphemous statement about Prophet Muhammad on the social media. “Troops of 31 Artillery Brigade of 1 Division, Nigerian Army on operation MESA quickly intervened and restored law and order while a dusk to dawn curfew was imposed in the town. “Early Monday morning however, the rioters embarked on further violence, looting shops and blocking the Lagos – Kaduna Road, a major a

President Muhammadu Buhari, Tuesday, met behind closed doors, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, with some prominent Igbo politicians from the South East. The delegation led by former Senate President, Senator Ken Nnamani came under the aegis of Southeast Group for Change comprising mostly of members of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC). The group’s visit to the presidency came a day after the bloody clash between security personnel and pro-Biafra demonstrators in Onitsha, Anambra  State, which spilled to neighbouring Asaba in Delta State. Both sides were reported to have recorded some casualties. The outcome of the meeting which lasted for about 45minutes at the Presidential Villa was not disclosed by the delegation. However, it may not be unconnected with the ongoing pro-Biafra crisis in the South East. As at the time of filing this report, the presidency was yet to issue any press statement on the meeting. Members of the delegation include the National Auditor of A

Several persons including a soldier were allegedly killed today during a clash between soldiers and members of the Indigenous People of Biafra in Onitsha, Anambra State. The clash occurred during celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the defunct Biafra republic. The late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu had declared the Republic of Biafra on May 30, 1966. The anniversary celebration turned bloody when soldiers of the 312 Artillery Brigade confronted the IPOB members, who had blocked major streets. It was gathered that the IPOB members had taken to the street as early as 6am, some of them naked to mark the anniversary. In the process, the pro-Biafra group blocked most major streets in Onitsha around the Niger Bridge head area, causing most people to remain indoors. Markets in Onitsha were also closed as a result of the anniversary that turned bloody. An eye witness said that “most of the killings were done at Nkpor, a suburb of Onitsha, where IPOB had chosen to cele

Oil shortages in Nigeria, No. 1 oil producer in Africa and 13th largest in the world, have resulted in delayed local and regional flights with airlines reducing the number of passengers and rescheduling or cancelling flights. Nigeria has a daily output of 2.4 million barrels a day, but is experiencing a shortage of oil products including the specialized aviation fuel. “We are operating our Accra-Lagos-Accra flights. Given the aviation fuel challenges in Nigeria, we have had to reduce the passenger numbers since we fill our fuel tanks in Accra before leaving,” an airline said. Africa World Airlines, Arik Air, Dana Air and Aero Contractors operate scheduled flights between the two capitals. Nigeria recently reported that outstanding debts, the currency crisis, and fuel subsidy disputes are some of the major reasons for the fuel crisis. Despite being one of the world’s biggest oil producers, Nigeria imports most of its fuel and is currently facing a severe shortage, the rep

The Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) has warned President Muhammadu Buhari as well as the military, that ‘something big’ will happen and it will shock the whole world. The militants also threatened to organise more destroying attacks on gas pipeline in the Niger Delta region. This was contained in a statement published by the group spokesman, Colonel Mudoch Agbinibo. It reads: “To the IOCs, indigenous oil companies and Nigerian military, watch out, something big is about to happen and it will shock the whole world.” Earlier this month (May), the Avengers issued similar threats before embarking on series of attacks. “This is just the beginning and you have not seen anything yet. We will make you suffer as you have made the people of Niger Delta suffered over the years from environmental degradation, and environment pollution,” the group said. The militants had last week bombed gas and crude oil trunk lines belonging to the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation and Chevron Nigeria