NDRPP to end illegal bunkering

National Coordinator, Niger Delta Riverine Protection Programme, Tikari Danjuma, has said all forms of illegal bunkering as well as unauthorised marine patrols will soon come to an end in the Niger Delta.

A statement from the group and obtained on Friday quoted Danjuma as giving the assurance at Bomadi, Delta State, during a reception organised by stakeholders and youths of the nine Niger Delta states to honour him on his appointment as the NDRPP national coordinator by President Muhammadu Buhari.

He appealed to militant groups in the region responsible for bombing and vandalising crude oil and gas installations to surrender their arms and join him as well as his team in championing peace and meaningful development in the area.

He said  Buhari was doing everything possible to find lasting peace, execute developmental projects and create employment for youths in the Niger Delta, stressing that the Federal Government would engage leaders and youths in the region through continuous dialogue.

The Director of Operation and Communication, NDRPP, Mr. Ebegha Tarelayefa, explained that the agency was ready to partner the relevant security agencies to achieve its goals.

He expressed optimism that the  inauguration of NDRPP would bring about the much needed development in the Niger Delta.

Tarelayefa appealed to militant groups in the Niger Delta to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.

The Delta State Programme Officer of NDRPP, Collins Oturubo, said the team was determined to mediate between the national coordinator of the programme and the militant groups in each state with a view to ending militancy, sea piracy, illegal bunkering and other vices plaguing the region.

He said an intelligence structure had been set up to address issues of illegal bunkering, sea piracy, unauthorised sea patrols and illegal maritime activities in the Niger Delta.

Otorubu disclosed that a task force would be established to interface with community state patrol, which shall be under each State Programme Officer.