PIPELINE VANDALISM: MILITANTS FLEE AS JTF HUNTS FOR THEM

MILITANTS who blew up crude oil and gas pipelines in Delta State for three days last week, have beat a retreat following an intensive manhunt for them by operatives of the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta and appeals by traditional rulers and concerned leaders of Ijaw ethnic nationality.

Riverine dwellers in affected communities in Warri South-West Local Government Area, who spoke to Vanguard on phone, said that there was relative calm, yesterday,  following the overpowering presence  of soldiers who invaded some communities and suspected hideouts of the militants.

One of them, John Preye, said: “The restriction on movements has been relaxed, people can now go about without the kind of search soldiers subjected us to on Saturday and Sunday.”