The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday expressed dismay over what it called the unpatriotic attacks on the nation’s economic lifeline in the Niger Delta. “These attacks were carried out by some criminal elements who are bent on destroying the nation’s strategic assets which will no longer be tolerated,” Acting Director Defence Information, Brigadier General Rabe Abubakar, said.

According to Rabe in a statement issued in Abuja, “The recent attacks on an oil facility in Delta State is a pointer to this direction. For the avoidance of doubt, the DHQ warns these criminal elements to desist from this unwholesome act of economic sabotage in the Niger Delta region for the overall benefits of the country.

“Consequently, any individual or group of persons who engage in any act of sabotage to the nation’s strategic assets will face the full weight of the law as the military and other security agencies will ensure total protection of such facilities wherever they are in line with our constitutional mandate.

“The security of the strategic assets and any other facilities is a collective responsibilities of every patriotic and law abiding citizen especially the locals close to such valuable infrastructure. The DHQ urges all to cooperate with the military and other security agencies and report suspected individuals or groups for prompt action.

“The DHQ will continue to maintain a peaceful environment for economic activities to thrive while requesting law abiding citizens to go about their legitimate businesses.”

•Photo shows Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Gabriel Olonishakin.