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. (NAN)