Another Militant Group Emerges in Imo State, Niger Delta Red Squad

Just one week after Imo legislators condemned the exclusion of the state from the Federal Government proposed dialogue with oil producing states in the Niger Delta region, in its bid to quell the armed hostilities in the region, a new militant group has emerged in the state.

The new group, Niger Delta Red Squad, which had claimed responsibility for the blowing up of two pipelines belonging to Shell in the Asa/Awarra axis of Ohaji Egbema Council Area, has also threatened to attack major oil pipelines in Oguta Council Area and ultimately shutdown all oil wells in the state.

The group, which was announced through a Facebook update, claimed it had what it takes to carry out the threat, warning that until the oil producing areas in the state are giving what rightfully belongs to them, the area will no longer be peaceful for oil companies to operate.

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An ex-militants from the area confirmed the existence of the group but quickly added that he was not involved in the renewed militancy.

The government reportedly made the move to dialogue with militant groups in the Niger Delta region hoping that this would result in lasting peace in the oil-rich area of the country. 

Recently, Nigerian government said it had reached a ceasefire agreement with the militants, but the Niger Delta Avengers has denied such an agreement adding that its leadership is not aware of it.