By Evelyn Usman

Lagos—The Chief of Defence Staff, CDS General Gabriel Olonisakin, yesterday in Lagos said that the Military would not negotiate with the Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, which has carried out a barrage of attacks on oil installations in the Niger Delta region.

The CDS who gave this assertion at the inauguration of the procured 10 highly-militarised Honker Scorpion vehicles, at the Logistics Command of the Nigerian Airforce, Ikeja, said that the Military would not treat with kids-gloves the violent dimension the NDA was taking its agitation, as well with members of the Indigenous People of  Biafra, IPOB.

“There are better ways to air their grievances than the way they go about it. The right way is to get necessary permit and protest. If they are violent, we will not take it lightly with them.”

He explained that the newly acquired vehicles which would be deployed to Airforce bases across the country were specifically for the purpose of enhancing security of the air assets within the area of their deployment.

“The equipment are certainly geared towards raising and maintaining the capability of the regiment troops as they contribute to our collective efforts to address the various security challenges confronting our nation.

”The procurement of these Honker Airfield Defence vehicles is a testimony of the importance the NAF attaches to protection of its critical assets and force protection.” Olonisakin said.

On his part, the Chief of Air Staff, CAS Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar assured citizens in the Niger Delta region of their safety , promising that the NAF would operate within the ambit of the constitution during its operation.

In its move to avoid a repeat of the 2013 attack of the NAF Base in Maiduguri, Abubakar disclosed that the NAF adopted a new strategy known as Base Defence Concept ,BDC.

The concept he explained; ‘’Enables real time observation, reporting and response to activities around the area of interest. The BDCC as opposed to the previous concept of the use of guard posts, is proactive and allows for the use of initiatives in deterring, defending and protecting vital assets.’’