Nigeria- Mend

Nigerian military refutes Mend's claim

by Bashir Ibrahim Idris

Article published on the 2009-06-10 Latest update 2009-06-10 16:12 TU

A Nigerian Joint Task Force soldier mans a weapon in the Niger Delta
(Credit: Reuters)

Nigeria's Joint Military Task Force, operating in the Niger Delta, told RFI on Wednesday that militants did not attack the Chevron oil facility in the area last night, even though the rebel group Mend claimed responsibility.

Commandant of the Joint task Force, Gen Sarkin Yaki Bello, denied the claim, telling RFI that it was just mere propaganda.  Bello confirmed the fire incident, which he said was common within the oil industry, but ruled out any sabotage.

“The facility has maximum security and no intruder was seen when the fire broke out," said Bello. "It was the tradition of Mend to claim responsibility for every incident that happened within the Niger Delta area,” he added.

Mend has claimed responsibility over the attack, saying that their fighters overwhelmed the security operatives of the Joint Task Force. They also claimed that they destroyed the facility.

The rebel militants group has staged several attacks on oil facilities in the area. Chevron has since confirmed the fire incident, at its Utonana production facility, without giving further details.