Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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October 3, 2008

Nigerian Military Says It is Making Headway Against Rebels
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=1E80660:A6F02AD83191E160C86A420B223CB917C030207A0BD70133&
 
Offensive in Niger Delta two weeks old 

Nigeriandefense
officials say the military's two-week-old offensive against militants in
the
Niger Delta has succeeded in reducing violence in the restive region.
The officials
say scores of militants have been killed anddozens arrested with most of
their bases destroyed. Butprominent Delta politicians say the
offensive will not ensure long-term security until the
governmentprovides
the region jobs andinfrastructure. 

Lt. Col
Sagir Musa is spokesman for the joint militarytask force charged
withprovidingsecurity in the Delta. He says tremendous progress
have been made in pacifying the restive oil rich region. "The situation
is
relatively calm. So far, so good. There has not been any reported case
of
security breach within our areas of responsibility which is a sign of
good
development to the region and the nation as a whole." 

He says
the reduction in violence can be attributed to a multi –pronged
approach by the
government. "I wont attribute it to our efforts only, I think it is a
combined
effort, a combined responsibility that resulted to the peaceful
atmosphere that
everyone is enjoying in this period and we hope it will continue".

Lt.
Col Musa says residents of the delta have been instrumental is giving
information to the task force in its efforts to combat militant
activities.
"Everybody seems to be disturbed about the situation in the Niger Delta,
and
people are worried, disturbed and concerned. Therefore from time to time
we
call on the people that who ever witnessed any criminal act should call
security agencies. We even volunteered dedicated telephone lines for
that
purpose and people are just calling to say, this is what is happening
and
please come to our aid." 


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