The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede has commended frontline troops of the Nigerian Army deployed to the Niger Delta region for curtailing the activities of economic saboteurs and crude oil thieves.
Lieutenant General Oluyede gave the commendation during a Special Ed-El-Fitr Celebration luncheon organised by the army for the 6 Division frontline troops at the 29 Battalion Parade ground, Port Harcourt barracks on Monday.
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Addressing the troops, Lieutenant General Oluyede, who was represented by Major General Kelvin Aligbe, Commander Training and Doctrine Command, said the remarkable courage and resilience of the troops in safeguarding the nation and her critical national assets had not gone unnoticed.
“This celebration is a moment to show gratitude to God for life, peace and stability which we have been able to maintain across the country through your sacrifices in the different theatres of operations despite the grave dangers you face.
“Your sacrifices have ensured the security of our country, demonstrating your resilience, courage and professionalism while discharging your responsibilities.
“In keeping with the tenets of my Command Philosophy, I remain committed to strengthening the operational capacity, welfare and combat readiness of our troops.
“This underscores the vital role of discipline, professionalism and inter-agency collaboration, all of which are crucial in tackling the contemporary security challenges confronting our nation.
“To our gallant officers and soldiers deployed across various theatres of operations who have continued to demonstrate remarkable courage and resilience in safeguarding the nation, your sacrifices do not go unnoticed and the Nigerian Army remains steadfast to supporting and empowering you as you fulfil your noble duty.” Lieutenant General Oluyede said.
Also addressing the troops, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.), who was the Special Guest of Honor, hailed the dedication and sacrifices of the gallant troops in protecting the territorial integrity of the country.
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.), who was represented by the new Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibibia Worika, stated, “It is obvious that the current security challenges in the country are dynamic involving the use of both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches which require multi-faceted strategies to tackle effectively.
“I am equally happy to note that in recent times the Nigerian Army has continued to swiftly adopt new strategies in collaboration with sister Services and security agencies to contain the security threats across the country.
“The efforts of the Nigerian Army in this regard, particularly in the protection of oil and gas facilities in Rivers State and across the Niger Delta region deserve special mention.
“The successful conduct of this onerous task has improved the oil production level with attendant positive effects on the economic fortunes of the country would have been difficult if not impossible to achieve without the dedication and sacrifice of our troops. Let us give them a round of applause.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Eric Emekah, explained that the Luncheon was organized to appreciate the sacrifices of the troops in tandem with the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff.
Major General Emekah, who was represented by the 6 Division Garrison Commander, Sector 3 Operation Delta Safe, Brigadier General Sani Ahmed, reiterated the Division’s commitment to continue to protect oil and gas infrastructure and deter crude oil theft and other criminality within the Joint Operation Area.
He said, “This is in line with the COAS Command Philosophy which has sound administration, anchored on welfare as one of its main pillars.
“Today, we are essentially here to say thank you for the good job you are doing for this great nation. Let me also add that it is on record that our operational activities have yielded the desired effect as evident in the surge in oil production quota for a relatively consistent period.
“I therefore urge you to sustain the tempo for the good of our dear nation. I would also like to reassure the good people of Rivers State and the entire Niger Delta Region that 6 Division shall continue to conduct its operations in line with the best interest of the people and the nation.
“We pledge to continue to protect oil and gas infrastructure and deter crude oil theft and other criminality within the Joint Operation Area.
“This resolve is hinged on the COAS Command Philosophy which is to Consolidate the Transformation of the Nigerian Army towards Bequeathing a Well-Motivated and Combat-Ready Force that can Effectively Discharge its Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment.”
