The group's former leader John Togo claims that their main goal is to secede from, and gain independence from Nigeria.

Although Togo is the NDLF's most notorious member he was killed on July 19, 2011, by a Nigerian air strike near Warri in Delta State.

In 2004 the Joint Revolutionary Council was formed and recruited members to rock the Nigerian petroleum industry to its core.

In 2005 high-ranking member John Togo formed a splinter group after the Joint Revolutionary Council did not deliver much damage.

In October 2010 the Nigerian Air Force bombed his camp, but Togo and his men were able to slip into swamps of the Delta.

On July 19, 2011, the Nigerian Air Force bombed Togo's camp with his men in Delta State, whilst they were asleep.