Rear Admiral John Okeke, the new Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) deployed to protect oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta, on Thursday sought more support and collaboration from security formations in Bayelsa.
Okeke, deployed to JTF (Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), made the appeal during a familiarisation tour of security formations in the state.
During a courtesy visit to the Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Samson Bura, Okeke urged partnership in combating oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other criminalities.
In his reponse, Bura promised sustained and improved support and collaboration between JTF and the naval command.
Bura said that the synergy would enable the country to have a maritime domain free from illegal activities.
Okeke also visited the Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command, Air Vice Marshall Tajudeen Yusuf, and similarly requested for support.
Tajudeen expressed readiness to continue to support JTF, saying that the military was focused on the same aim and objective of safe environment for Nigerians to carry out lawful activities.
The new JTF commander further visited the Nigerian Naval Ship (NNS) SOROH, where he was received by the Commander, Commodore Nanmar Lakan.
At NNS SOROH, Okeke was briefed on the ship’s efforts in combating threat within its area of responsibility.
He praised JTF troops for efforts toward increased oil production in the region, and urged them not to relent.
He also warned the troops against sabotage and engaging in illegal activities, saying that disciplinary actions would await erring officers men.
The JTF commander was accompanied by component commanders and some principal staff officers of OPDS.
