NEWS
Gov. Alex Otti Pledges Strong Partnership With Operations Delta Safe to Eliminate Crime, Crude Oil Theft in Abia, Southeast and Niger Delta
The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has assured that his administration will collaborate closely with the Joint Task Force, South–South, Operations Delta Safe to rid Abia State, the Southeast region and the entire Niger Delta of crime and criminal activities, particularly crude oil theft and related security threats.
Governor Otti gave the assurance on Tuesday, March 3rd, when he received in audience the newly appointed Commander of the Joint Task Force–South South, Operations Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Olugbenga Ladipo, who paid him a courtesy visit..
The Governor described the new Commander as a seasoned professional with vast experience in security operations, expressing confidence that his leadership would further strengthen the fight against criminal elements operating in the Niger Delta region.
Governor Otti emphasized that the ability to understand the operational patterns and strategies used by criminals involved in crude oil theft and other illegal activities is key to effectively tackling them.
“Like Navy Commander MacDonald Uba (Special Adviser on Security) had indicated clearly, you are a professional and we have no doubt that we will work together to rid this place of crime and criminality.
“Once you understand how they operate, stopping them in their tracks becomes easier than when you don’t even understand,“ Governor Otti stated.
While reiterating his administration’s readiness to support the Joint Task Force in carrying out its mandate, Governor Otti urged the Commander to consider establishing an operational base of the Task Force in Abia State to strengthen security operations within the state and its oil-producing areas.
He noted that although the Task Force headquarters is located in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, having a functional base within Abia would significantly enhance operational effectiveness, particularly in areas where crude oil activities take place.
“I want to assure you that we will continue to support you and your team. Sometimes, we think Yenegoa is too far, but of course nowhere is far.
“So, your operational base is also there. So, what we’ll probably be asking for is for you to have a base here. While you have your headquarters in Yenegoa.
“I will provide accommodation and everything that will be required for you to establish a base here. Particularly in Ukwa West where we have oil in the State. That’s the major local government where we have oil,“ Governor Otti stated.
The Governor also commended the Joint Task Force for the security operations it carried out during the Yuletide period, noting that the intervention had a positive impact across Abia State and the entire Southeast, resulting in a peaceful and crime-free festive season.
Governor Otti said that the calm atmosphere experienced during the Christmas and New Year celebrations reflected the effectiveness of the security measures deployed by the Task Force and other security agencies working in synergy across the region.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commander, Joint Task Force–South South, Operations Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Olugbenga Ladipo, said that the purpose of his visit was to formally introduce himself to the Governor following his recent appointment as the new commander of the security outfit.
Rear Admiral Ladipo explained that the Joint Task Force under Operations Delta Safe covers all oil-producing states in the Niger Delta region, including Abia, Imo and Anambra States, adding that the primary mandate of the task force is to protect critical oil and gas infrastructure while combating crude oil theft and illegal bunkering activities.
“And the Joint Task Force covers all the Niger Delta States, including Abia, Imo, and Anambra. Basically, where all the oil from this country is being produced or channeled for the country.
“The mandate of the JTF is the protection of all oil and gas infrastructure, to stop crude oil theft and bunkering. And to protect lives and properties.
“Now, the crude oil theft is no more on the pipelines. We have more theft on the wellheads. Every crime is dynamic.
“Today, we have them mixing chemicals with the crude to produce engine oil. They also produce diesel. Though the process is not a complete process.
“So, you see people’s cars are being destroyed, generators are being destroyed. So, we are going after crude oil thefts,“ he stated.
The visit was attended by top government officials including the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D; the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu; and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Navy Commander MacDonald Uba (rtd.), among other senior government functionaries.
