BY BRIGHT JACOB
The 6 Division, Nigerian Army, said it destroyed 233 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta region, while 112 suspects were arrested in 2023.
The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army/Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation Delta Safe, Major General Jamal Abdussalam disclosed while enumerating the achievements of the Division last year.
Abdussalam spoke during the 6 Division Combined West African Social Activities at the 29 Battalion Parade Ground, Port Harcourt Barracks on Saturday.
He also said a total of 72 trucks/vehicles were impounded, while 356 arms and ammunition were recovered.
Abdulssalam said the aims and objectives of the exercise were in line with the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Toareed Lagbaja’s command philosophy.
He reassured residents and the business community that the Army in synergy with other sister agencies will ensure that an enabling environment will be provided for seamless oil production in the Niger Delta region.
The GOC further said this will ensure the country meets its targets for the year 2024 and possibly surpasses it in terms of oil production.
According to Major General Abdulssalam, “WASA 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.
“In the course of the year, we were able to make 112 arrests, destroyed 233 illegal refineries, and recovered over 356 arms and ammunitions.”
He added, “We will continue to contentiously perform our constitutional roles to defend democratic values in the country.
“I enjoin you all to remain dedicated and focused in the discharge of our collective responsibility.”
He assured of maintaining a proactive and result-oriented attitude amongst officers and soldiers of the 6 Division for sustainable operational tempo in a joint environment. 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 Niger Delta.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, commended the Nigerian Army for its effort in tackling the diverse security problems confronting the country.
Fubara advocated that civilian-military cooperation was a sure way of fostering and strengthening a healthy society like Nigeria.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, the governor noted that the ideals of WASA in strengthening regimentation and promotion of family values in the Nigerian Army were enormous.
Fubara stated, “Let me seize this opportunity to commend the officers and soldiers of this Division for your sacrificial contributions in the maintenance of peace and order in Rivers State.
“The state will continue to support and collaborate with the Nigerian Army in all its activities. Be assured of our full support in all your operations.
“The cultural displays and performances witnessed here today are clear testimony of the diversity and strength of Nigeria as a nation.
“As you commence your activities for the year 2024, it is my hope that you will approach these activities with renewed zeal, vigour, and commitment,” he stressed.
In his vote of thanks, the Commander, 6 Division Garrison, Brigadier General Eddet Effiong, who was the Chairman Central Organizing Committee, expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, for his tremendous support and the GOC for the opportunity given him to serve in that capacity.
Highlights of the event were cultural displays, comedy, tug of war, presentation of awards, and observance of the regimental beating of retreat.
