Army Assures Enabling Environment For Oil Production In Niger Delta

The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army/ Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South South, Operation DELTA SAFE, Major General Jamal Abdussalam has reassured that an enabling environment will be provided continually for seamless oil production in the Niger Delta region (NDR).

He gave the assurance during the 6 Division Combined West African Social Activities (WASA) held at Port Harcourt Barracks. 

Major General  Abdussalam further said that this will ensure the Federal Government of Nigeria meets its targets for the year 2024 and possibly surpasses it.  He urged all to ensure this was realised. 

He further stated the significance of WASA, which he alluded was meant to strengthen social relationships among officers, soldiers, and their families. It also provides an avenue for informal social interaction and a forum for the barracks community to showcase its rich and diverse cultural heritage. Additionally, it is an event that marks the end of an eventful training year while heralding the beginning of a new year. 

The GOC reiterated that the 2023 training exercises were all successfully completed with huge gains. Worthy to mention was the annual Exercise STILL WATERS III, which no doubt has gone a long way in curtailing criminal activities in the NDR.  

Major General Abdussalam enumerated the gains recorded duration of the exercise. These included over 1,112 arrests, destruction of 233 illegal refineries, seizures of 1,111,900 liters of illegally refined products, arrest of 72 trucks/vehicles, and capture of over 356 arms and ammo. This, he reemphasized, has achieved the aims and objectives of the exercise in line with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Toareed Lagbaja  command philosophy.

The Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, remarked that WASA is an age long tradition in the NA that bonds officers, soldiers, and their families as well as friends. Governor Fubara who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Wenike Danagogo acknowledged the selfless efforts of the men of the NA, especially 6 Division in confronting criminality in the State and indeed the nation.   He added that these  sacrifices are worthy of commendation while reassuring of the State Government’s continuous support to the NA. 

While delivering the vote of thanks, the Commander, 6 Division Garrison, Brigadier General Eddet Effiong, who was the Chairman Central Organizing Committee thanked God for making the day a reality given the very short period of preparation. He appreciated the COAS for his tremendous support and the GOC for the opportunity given him to serve in that capacity. He equally thanked everyone who made the event a success.

Highlights of the event were cultural displays, comedy, tug of war, presentation of awards, and observance of the regimental beating of retreat.