Ex-agitators under the Presidential Amnesty Programme have directly blamed the programme’s administration and Tantita Security Services for their ongoing hardships, alleging that broken promises, deliberate exclusion from benefits, and hostile actions by Tantita’s Bayelsa coordinator have plunged them into poverty, ill-health, and despair.
In a strongly worded statement released on Saturday, March 7, 2026, by Endurance Agele, spokesperson for South Wing MEND Worldwide, in Yenagoa, the group revealed the heartbreaking loss of over 200 members to hunger, inadequate healthcare, and poor living conditions—outcomes they attribute squarely to the failures and obstructive conduct of the Presidential Amnesty Office and Tantita leadership. They further accused Tantita coordinator Joshua Maciver of prioritizing personal gain over the welfare of former freedom fighters who once risked their lives to support peace efforts, warning that continued neglect by these entities risks destabilizing the fragile calm in the Niger Delta.
The full statement, as sighted online, follows: “Our Leader Sir, we the members of SouthWing MEND Worldwide wish to place on record our deep dissatisfaction with the present state of affairs in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta region.”
“After the disarmament process of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, our members embraced peace with sincerity and commitment. We did so believing that the promises of demobilisation and reintegration such as training opportunities, scholarships, employment, contracts, and access to proper healthcare would be honoured.”
“Unfortunately, the reality has been the opposite.For years we remained silent and patient because you our respected leader HRH Dr SELKY KILE TORUGHEDI (General Youngshall Grow) instilled in us the virtues of discipline, patience, faith in God, and strategic thinking. Out of respect for his leadership and commitment to peace, we chose restraint even while many of our members endured severe hardship.”
“Today, that patience has come at a heavy cost.Many of our members have been pushed into extreme poverty. Basic welfare has been neglected and access to healthcare remains inadequate.”
“Painfully, more than 200 of our members have lost their lives due to hunger, poor living conditions, and lack of medical attention.This situation is unacceptable.”
“We freedom fighters from the Niger Delta who sacrificed greatly in the interest of peace and stability in the region now feel abandoned and ignored.”
“A peace that does not improve the lives of those who made sacrifices for it cannot be sustained indefinitely.”
“Let it be clearly understood that our continued commitment to peace must not be mistaken for weakness.We still hold you our leader HRH Dr SELKY KILE TORUGHEDI (General Youngshall Grow )in the highest regard and we remain guided by the discipline you taught us.”
“However, the growing frustration among our members is real and it reflects the wider disappointment across communities in the Niger Delta.”
“If the relevant authorities and stakeholders like the Presidential Amnesty Office, Ministry of Regional Development, Niger Delta Riverbasin Authority, NDDC fail to urgently address these issues particularly the welfare, empowerment, mobilization and reintegration of we the freedom fighters then they must be prepared to face the consequences that will naturally follow when neglected people begin to demand for their rights.”
“The Federal Government, the Presidential Amnesty Programme, NDDC and all relevant Niger Delta stakeholders should immediately revisit and fulfill the commitments made to the us who embraced peace in good faith.”
“We have sacrificed too much for the stability of this country to continue to be ignored.”
“Enough is enough.”
“Our leader Sir, please don’t blame us should you begin to hear and see some ugly things happening in the Niger Delta region because we are now ready.”
“We urge immediate action to address the Niger Delta’s environmental and humanitarian challenges. Years of neglect have caused immense suffering and devastated livelihoods. We demand accountability, justice, and sustainable support for our affected communities.”
“The region’s resources have fueled Nigeria’s growth, but the people remain marginalized. We’re highlighting the situation in Bayelsa State, where actions by Tantita coordinator JOSHUA MACIVER are causing concern. As freedom fighters who stopped kpo fire and destroyed our own refineries, we feel betrayed. Promises made after the election haven’t been kept, and those who did the hard work aren’t benefiting.”
“We destroyed over 2000 bunkering camps in AZUZUAMA Community, risking our lives with HRH Dr SELKY KILE TORUGHEDI. Yet, we’re being disengaged and intimidated. We request JOSHUA MCIVER’s replacement, as he doesn’t prioritize the people’s welfare.”
“We, SOUTH WING MEND members, urge action. We’ve suffered enough and demand change. We’ve written letters, but they’re ignored. Our people aren’t being trained or empowered like others. Please help before it’s too late.AZUZUAMA Community, a former bunkering hub in Bayelsa State, saw us destroy over 2000 camps with HRH Dr SELKY KILE TORUGHEDI. We risked our lives, facing threats and violence. Now, we’re being disengaged. JOSHUA MCIVER, Tantita coordinator, isn’t helping – he ignores calls and prioritizes self-development. We demand his replacement.”
“As SOUTH WING MEND members, we’re done with intimidation. We’ve written letters, but Tantita, Presidential Amnesty Program, and NDDC ignore us. We contributed 75% to the struggle, yet our people suffer. Others get empowered abroad, but not us. Speak up before it’s too late.General Mustapha we need your voice.”
“ENDURANCE AGELE Spoksman SOUTH WING MEND WORLDWIDE.”
