Major Ibrahim Abdullahi, Spokesman of the JTF said that the frequency of the false reports indicates that the masterminds were desperate.
He said three false media reports which turned out to be fake had found their ways into the public domain within the past three weeks, a development that called for serious concern and caution.
According to him, recent false reports alleged that troops had laid siege on Gbaramatu community in readiness to invade the settlement when there was no such operation.
It was also alleged that tanker drivers had staged a protest and blocked the East-West Road, which also turned out to be a hoax.
“Operation Delta Safe has noticed with dismay that desperate and disgruntled elements within the society have vowed to foment trouble by spreading unfounded rumours aimed at misinforming the public and creating panic.
“The string of these rumours began with reports that CONOIL facilities/pipeline at Koluama 1 settlement of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area have been attacked and blown up on Jan. 5, which turned out to be fake.
“Furthermore, between Jan. 19 to Jan. 20, another fake news started rearing its ugly head again.
“This time, the mischief makers alleged that military gunboats and fighter aircrafts were laying siege to Gbaramatu kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area in preparation for an attack.
“This was equally confirmed to be fake news.
“Again, it was alleged that the Tanker Drivers’ Union, Bayelsa chapter planned to block the East West road for no reasons on Jan. 22, which was also confirmed to be fake news.,”
The Spokesman noted that these false reports were designed to create panic and an atmosphere of insecurity to lives and properties within the region.
“We in OPERATION DELTA SAFE do not have issues with the environment where we operate. We have maintained peace, law and order as far as our mandate is concerned.
“All the critical Oil and gas infrastructure are secured and production is ongoing.
“Slanderous utterances and libellous publications will not profit the society, peace and progress can only thrive in a conducive atmosphere and climes devoid of falsehood.
“We strongly call on these mischief makers, rumour mills and desperadoes to desist from their nefarious activities.
“We equally enjoin the media to verify the authenticity of news stories before publication.
“Rushing to break news which would later turn out to be false has a strong tendency that can negatively affect the credibility of the media over time.
“Efforts are also ongoing to unmask these disgruntled elements with a view to prosecuting them at the appropriate quarters,” he said
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