Dissident groups still pose threat despite small numbers
Dissident republican groups continue to possess the capacity, ability, and intent to carry out attacks on police forces, despite their limited numbers, the justice minister has stated.
This statement follows an incident in Lurgan where a delivery driver was hijacked and threatened with death if he did not transport an object placed in the boot of his car to the local police station.
The object was subsequently identified as a "crude, but viable improvised explosive device," with police assessing it as "highly likely" to have been planted by dissident republican elements.
Justice Minister Naomi Long emphasized that although there has been no indication of increased activity, those involved remain committed to violence and destruction.
"If they weren't intent in causing harm, then they wouldn't be in those groups, it's the only purpose that they serve," she told NI's Good Morning Ulster programme.
"From our perspective, we take it seriously. I know the PSNI [Police Service of Northern Ireland] work very hard to keep people safe, to suppress the activities of these organisations and where they can do so, bring the people involved to justice.
"But we can't be complacent about the risks."
Lurgan attack described as 'shocking'
Sinn Féin assembly member John O'Dowd characterized the incident as "shocking," particularly for the delivery driver involved.
He noted that thousands had gathered in Lurgan weeks earlier to celebrate St Patrick's Day, and that the gravity of this event casts a shadow over the town.
Regarding the likelihood of dissident republican involvement, O'Dowd, representing Upper Bann, stated he does not perceive community support for such groups.
"What they class themselves or what they call themselves is a matter for themselves, but I do think and I know that the vast majority of people in Lurgan want to move on and we have seen huge progress over this last 20, 25 years," he told Good Morning Ulster.
"I would appeal to anyone who believes there's going to be a return to the past to think again and to follow the course that has been set out by the people."
Details of the Lurgan incident
At approximately 22:30 BST on Monday, a delivery driver operating a white Audi was stopped by two masked individuals on Deramore Drive in the Kilwilkie estate. One of the assailants was armed with a pistol.
The driver was threatened at gunpoint and compelled to drive his vehicle to the police station located on Church Place in Lurgan.
Upon arrival, the driver informed security personnel that a bomb was present in the car, prompting a security operation. Approximately 100 homes were evacuated overnight, with residents seeking refuge in Lurgan town hall. Several roads in the town centre were also closed.
A controlled explosion was conducted as part of the response.
During a press conference on Tuesday, police confirmed that the device, while rudimentary, was functional.
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson stated:
"As unsophisticated as it was, it posed a significant risk to the terrified delivery driver, our security staff and the local community."
Understanding dissident republican groups
The term "dissident republicans" refers to various individuals and factions that reject the Good Friday Agreement, the 1998 peace accord that largely ended the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
The Provisional IRA, which was the principal armed republican paramilitary organization during much of the Troubles, declared a ceasefire prior to the agreement and formally ended its violent campaign in 2005.
Dissident republicanism comprises several groups that separated from the Provisional IRA during the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, including the Continuity IRA and New IRA.
Although these groups are significantly smaller than the Provisional IRA, they have access to high-grade weaponry and have employed improvised explosive devices and mortars in various attacks and attempted attacks.
