The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) says it would intervene in the release of the two German nationals kidnapped in Rivers State on July 11, 2008. The kidnapped men were staff of construction giant, Julius Berger. According to MEND, its fighters have identified those responsible for the kidnap and located the whereabouts of the kidnappers and their victims.

Spokesman for MEND, Mr. Jomo Gbomo in a statement in Port-Harcourt yesterday said the militant group decided to intervene in freeing the two Germans because the group is convinced that the inept Nigerian security forces would be unable to secure the freedom of the abducted foreigners. He said negotiations had commenced with the kidnappers for the unconditional release of the captives.

"We consider such criminal acts as a duty for the law enforcement agencies as practiced in every part of the world and as a rule, non-security agencies never get involved. However, this case will be an exception to the rule because the men are involved in construction of infrastructure in the Niger Delta region", Gbomo said.