War Against Oil Bunkering : Nigeria Army Acquires Gun-Boats
The war against oil theft in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria has received a major boost as the Nigerian Arm has taken delivery of gun boats. This was made known by the General Officer Commanding , 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, Major General Adebayo Olaniyi, while inaugurating five projects at the 13 Brigade Command, Calabar, the capital of Cross River State.
He said that oil was the major revenue source for the country and stressed the need to preserve it for economic growth of the country.
“Officers of the Nigerian Army are very alert on the waterways; if anybody is caught stealing the country’s oil, he or she will face the law no matter how highly placed the person may be,” he assured.
He expressed delight at the programme, adding that the commissioning of the projects in the command would boost operations and welfare of personnel.
The projects include mini-supermarket, warrant officers’ mess, lawn tennis court, colonial block and transit accommodation.
He commended the commander of the brigade, Brigadier General Okwudili Azinta, for the successful completion of the projects within six months on resuming office.
“I am very happy to have the likes of Brig.-Gen. Azinta in my team, working with him in this capacity is highly appreciated,” he added.
He charged officers at the command to emulate Azinta with a view to adding their contribution and values toward the development of the command.
Gen. Olaniyi later made it known that most of the structures renovated and commissioned were built in 1904.
He charged the officers to display good maintenance culture to sustain the projects.
Mr. Azinta, in his remark expressed happiness at the project. He said the army needed such recreational facilities to keep fit and strong for the job.
He charged officers of the command to make good use of the facilities provided them, adding that a good maintenance culture would help to sustain the projects.
The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, who was represented by his Security Adviser , Rekpene Bassey, said that the state was working closely with the military to ensure safety of residents, investors and tourists.
“The state security department is working closely with all the security agencies in the state to ensure protection of lives and property,” he said.
He commended the army authorities for executing the projects, noting that the army deserved such recreational facilities.
“Everybody needs security; we cannot do business without security, so there is need to work with the security agencies in the state to ensure adequate security of lives and property,” he concluded.