REPORTER: PEACE AGBO
The Abia State government is to assist the Joint Task Force, JTF, South-South, Operation Delta Safe, in its renewed clampdown on crude oil theft and related crimes efforts to safeguard oil infrastructure and boost national production.
Governor Alex Otti stated when he received a delegation of the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, led by the new Commander, Rear Admiral Olugbenga Oladipo, at his office in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South LGA.
Governor Otti expressed his administration’s commitment to inter-agency security collaboration and stressed the need to guarantee safety for residents and investors.
The Governor recalled that at the inception of his administration, some Local Government Areas were inaccessible due to banditry, but commended the sustained efforts of the Security Agencies in Abia for restoring law and order across the areas.
Governor Otti who urged the newly appointed South-South Commander of the Joint Task Force to establish a dedicated operational base in Ukwa West LGA the State’s oil producing hub, offered to provide them accommodation and other necessary logistics.
Earlier, the JTF South South Commander, Rear Admiral Olugbenga Oladipo, said he was on a familiarization visit to Abia state as the new Commander of Operation Delta Safe and solicited for deepen collaboration with the State government to enhance their operations in the state.
He assured Governor Otti of deploying the Joint Task Force 24-hour Quick Response Squad to any State within its operational coverage.
According to the JTF Commander, the mandate JTF is to protect oil and gas facilities, curb crude oil theft and bunkering, protect lives and property, and support increased oil production as directed by President Bola Tinubu.
