Abia to support JTF to rid state, south-east of criminality

…urged the task force to establish an operational base

The Abia State Government has appealed to Olugbenga Ladipo, the Commander, Joint Task Force – South South, Operations Delta Safe, to establish an operational base of the task force in the state.

Governor Alex Otti, who made the appeal on Tuesday, while receiving in audience a delegation of Olugbenga Ladipo, a rear admiral and the new commander of Joint Task Force, South-South, Operations Delta Safe, in his office.

He promised to work with the Joint Task Force to rid Abia State, South-East, and the entire Niger Delta of crime and criminality.

Governor Otti noted that the officer is experienced and understands the dynamics of the operations of the criminals who are involved in crude oil theft.

“As MacDonald Uba (special adviser on security) had indicated clearly, you are a professional, and we have no doubt that we will work together to rid this place of crime and criminality.

“Once you understand how they operate, stopping them in their tracks becomes easier than when you don’t even understand,” Governor Otti stated.

Governor Otti, while assuring support for the team, requested the commander to establish an operational base for the task force in Abia State and said that he would provide accommodation for it.

“I want to assure you that we will continue to support you and your team. Sometimes, we think Yenegoa is far, but of course, nowhere is far.

“So, your operational base is also there. So, what we’ll probably be asking for is for you to have a base here, while you have your headquarters in Yenagoa.

“I will provide accommodation and everything that will be required for you to establish a base here. Particularly in Ukwa West, where we have oil in the state. That’s the major local government where we have oil,” Governor Otti stated.

Governor Otti appreciated the fact that the team launched an operation during the Yuletide, and Abia State and the entire South-East felt the impact as everywhere was calm and peaceful.

Olugbenga Ladipo, the Commander, Joint Task Force – South South, Operations Delta Safe, said that he came to introduce himself to the Governor as the new commander of the Joint Task Force.

He noted that the Joint Task Force of Operations Delta Safe comprises states where oil is produced and informed the governor that their mandate is to protect oil and gas installations and fight against crude oil theft.

“And the Joint Task Force covers all the Niger Delta states, including Abia, Imo, and Anambra. Basically, it’s where all the oil from this country is being produced or channelled for the country.

“The mandate of the JTF is the protection of all oil and gas infrastructure to stop crude oil theft and bunkering. And to protect lives and properties.

“Now, the crude oil theft is no longer on the pipelines. We have more theft on the wellheads. Every crime is dynamic. Today, we have them mixing chemicals with the crude to produce engine oil. They also produce diesel. Though the process is not complete.

“So, you see, people’s cars are being destroyed, generators are being destroyed. So, we are going after crude oil thieves,” he stated.