The new Commander of the military task force, Operation Delta Safe, Real Admiral Akinjide Akinrinade, has warned oil thieves and other criminals in the Niger Delta region of tough times ahead.
Akinrinade, who spoke while taking over the reigns of the task force from the former Commander, Real Admiral Apochi Suleiman, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on Sunday, said he would institute proactive measures to deter criminal elements in the region.
While thanking the outgoing commander for his leadership style, Akinrinade said he would strengthen the synergy and cohesion among the various units, components and formations of the task force.
The former Commander, Rear Admiral Suleiman, said the operation under his command destroyed and dislodged major militant camps in the Niger Delta, thereby boosting security in the region.
He said the relative peace in the command had greatly increased crude oil production index of the country.
He said, “When I came here in 2016, there were issues of militancy all over my joint operation area. But diligently, we have taken out the major militant camps in the Niger Delta region. We have dislodged militant camps at Karawei in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa.
“The Bakassi strike force in Cross River, Lobia 1, 2 and 3 in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area and Lowasiri camps in Bayelsa were strong bases of militants and kidnappers.
“We have also dislodged militants in Etim Ekpo/Ukanafun Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom and restored peace to the areas. The Asuzuama set of militants in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Baylesa were all dislodged.
“We tracked down Don Wayne eventually, because of the pressure of our operational activities; he ran into the hands of another security group that eventually took him out. As of today, that camp at Amoputu is closed.”
Suleiman has been posted to Defence Headquarters, Abuja, as Chief of Defence Administration.
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