MEND certainly seem to be stepping up their campaign in Port Harcourt and in their latest threat they have told all citizens in PH to be in their houses by 2100. They have also extended their latest threats to civil oil industry helicopters:
MEND reiterated its plan to attack the checkpoints mounted across the oil region by soldiers of the Joint Task Force, deployed to the region to protect lives and property, as well as military helicopters and those operated by the oil companies, because they have been used for military surveillance and logistics support.
``Our tactics of attack on these enemies of peace and freedom will be limited to remote explosive devices. Those living under the military helicopters flight path in the cities should be vigilant as they could be shot down from inside the city,'' the group threatened.
Foreigners are equally advised to begin leaving the Niger Delta region for their own safety before it is too late and should not be deceived by the Nigerian security forces to ensure their safety. An attack on the Nigeria oil industry that will cause an economic tsunami in the world oil markets is imminent. This will herald the real emancipation of the Niger Delta.”
There have been reports for well over a year that MEND has RPGs in its armory, but none have been seen so far. With the attacks on vessels in the Bonny area it would be wise for every one of us flying in the Delta to be extremely vigilant over the next week or two.