Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The joint military taskforce operating in the Niger Delta region with the codename Operation Delta Safe, OPDS says they are winning the war against crude oil theft and militancy in the region.
The Commander, 16 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Sector 2, OPDS, Brigadier General Sadisu Yakasai, disclosed this on Sunday during the end of 2022 West African Social Activities, WASA in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa capital.
Sadisu Yakasai said WASA was an annual event usually organised for officers, soldiers and their families to interact, recalling that the history of the event dates back to 1901 when the Nigeria West Africa Frontier Force went to diverse cultural intervention of West African soldiers.
He also assured that troops would remain professional and apolitical throughout the 2023 general elections.
“The year 2022 was eventful and highly successful for us in 16 Brigade in the Niger Delta. The war against crude oil theft and militancy is being progressively and steadily won.
“Here in Bayelsa, our troops have been actively involved in Operation Delta Safe against militancy, sea piracy, sea robbery and other forms of criminality in the state especially in the waterways entrance and exit to the state with a lot of successes.
“The Brigade has also been engaged in several other exercises and operations in achieving the feat for the state and the nation’s sake. Some of these include Exercise Still Waters 2022 which is eventually called ‘Operation Safe Conduct’.
“In counting some of our activities in the course of last year, the Brigade was able to synergize with personnel of other security agencies who supported the Brigade in its operations and also conduct some civil military cooperation activities.”
Also, Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, represented by his Special Adviser on Security Matters, CP Akpoebi Agarebi (Rtd.), said the occasion which was meant to mark the completion of the Brigade’s training for the year 2022 was a unique event.
“I wish to state here that 16 Brigade has every reason to celebrate the year 2022 as its officers and men have remained resolute in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities. I am aware of their tremendous achievements in combating oil theft, kidnapping, militancy, sea piracy and other activities of criminal elements which have brought remarkable improvements in the security situation in Bayelsa.
“The people of Bayelsa, the direct beneficiaries of your effort are now sleep with their two eyes closed, the people now go about their lawful businesses without fear of molestation.
“I want to also commend your effort in forging synergy and collaboration with other security agencies in ensuring peace within your area of operations, especially your swift intervention during the flood menace that ravaged the state towards the end of 2022.
“Similarly, I want to commend your usual prompt response during blockade of the East West Road, the gateway into Bayelsa State by non-state actors protesting over welfare and other related matters.”
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