MEND Claims Responsibility for Attack on JTF Patrol Boat, Passenger Killed

In an emailed statement to gCaptain, Nigerian militant group, MEND claimed responsibility for an attack on a Joint Task Force (JTF) patrol boat on Saturday 25 January, in the Nembe-Bassanbiri waterways, Bayelsa State.

“This relatively insignificant attack is a reminder of our presence in the creeks of the Niger Delta and a sign of things to come,” wrote Jomo Gbomo, a seemingly anonymous person who from time to time, uses the MEND email account to contact reporters from around the world.

Gbomo adds that the attack was carried out by “Trainee fighers” and that the group’s plan is to drive out the Nigerian government from the region which supports the continued development of oil exploration and production in the region.

“Our silence thus far, has been strategic and at the right time, we will reduce Nigerian oil production to zero by 2015 and drive off our land, all thieving oil companies,” adds Gbomo.

According to local news sources, a JTF soldier was badly injured and a woman was killed in the attack.

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