Nigeria defence minister says military ready to tackle Niger Delta militants.

Text of report by Godwin Ijediogor, Dabo Oladimeji, Mohammed Abubakar and Simeon Nwakaudu entitled "Govt dares MEND, gunmen attack Mark's convoy" published by private Nigerian newspaper The Guardian website on 18 March

Going by the Federal Government's assurances, Nigerians may not need to panic over the recent threats by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) to renew their attack on public institutions and oil facilities.

Minister of Defence, Chief Adetokunbo Kayode (SAN [Senior Advocate of Nigeria]), in a chat with The Guardian, said the armed forces are ready to tackle the MEND menace headlong.

Kayode said: "Every negative tendency and threat that will not allow for peace in this country will be met with corresponding force.

"Government is aware of the threats and activities of these people and is not taking anything for granted, as it has made all the moves to ensure that there is peace and security in the country and MEND is not able to carry out its threats."

But River State Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) yesterday canvassed serious measures against the pervasive insecurity so that Nigerians can go about their businesses unhindered.

While Amaechi urged the Federal Government …