Army gets gun-boats to fight oil theft in Niger Delta

The GOC, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, Maj.-Gen. Adebayor Olaniyi, said on Friday in Calabar that the army had acquired gun-boats to fight oil theft in the Niger Delta region.


Olaniyi said this while inaugurating five projects at the 13 Brigade Command, Calabar.

He said that oil was the major revenue source for the country and stressed the need to preserve it for economic growth of the country.

“Officers of the Nigerian Army are very alert on the waterways; if anybody is caught stealing the country’s oil, he or she will face the law no matter how highly placed the person may be,’’ he warned.

He expressed delight at the programme, adding that the commissioning of the projects in the command would enhance operations and welfare of personnel.

The projects include mini-supermarket, warrant officers’ mess, lawn tennis court, colonial block and transit accommodation.

He commended the commander of the brigade, Brig.-Gen. Okwudili Azinta, for the successful completion of the projects within six months after resuming office.

“I am very happy to have the likes of Brig.-Gen. Azinta in my team, working with him in this capacity is highly appreciated,’’ he said.

He charged officers at the command to emulate Azinta with a view to adding their contribution and values toward the development of the command.

Olaniyi later told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that most of the structures renovated and commissioned were built in 1904.

He charged the officers to exhibit good maintenance culture to sustain the projects.

Also speaking, Azinta expressed happiness at the projects.

The commander said the army needed such recreational facilities to keep fit and strong for the job.

He charged officers of the command to make good use of the facilities provided them, adding that a good maintenance culture would help to sustain the projects.

The Security Adviser to Gov. Liyel Imoke of Cross River, Mr Rekpene Bassey, said that the state was working closely with the military to ensure safety of residents, investors and tourists.

“The state security department is working closely with all the security agencies in the state to ensure protection of lives and property,” he said.

He commended the army authorities for executing the projects, noting that the army deserved such recreational facilities.

“Everybody needs security; we can not do business without security, so there is need to work with the security agencies in the state to ensure adequate security of lives and property,” he said.