The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta has confirmed that the Federal Government is in talks with it.
MEND equally expressed support for the peace process.
It also said it the decision of the Federal Government not to negotiate with the Niger Delta Avengers and other militant groups masquerading as freedom fighters was in order.
In a statement on Sunday, MEND said the preliminary talks with the Federal Government were through oil companies and law enforcement agencies as revealed by President Muhammadu Buhari last week.
It said in the statement signed by its spokesperson, Jomo Gbomo: “These preliminary talks are the precursor to a wider dialogue between the Federal Government and the MEND Aaron 2 peace initiative, which will seek to find solutions to the short, medium and long-term future of the Niger Delta region.
“The Federal Government made it clear during our meetings that a negotiation with criminals is out of the question.
“The Niger Delta Avengers and Internet-based ‘militant’ groups, such as Joint Revolutionary Council and Ultimate Warriors – Ijaw opportunistic tribal assemblies – that were compromised to keep silent during the six years of Goodluck Jonathan’s misrule and neglect; pirates; pipeline vandals; oil thieves; commercial kidnappers; waterway robbers; political thugs and miscreants all fall under this category.”
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