The Nigerian Army has started a security operation code-named Exercise Still Waters III to address pipeline vandalism, cultism, illegal oil refining, kidnapping and other crimes in Bayelsa.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the exercise was inaugurated on Tuesday in Otuokpoti, Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.
The Governor of the state, Douye Diri, commende the military for the exercise, noting that security was imperative to ensuring good governance.
He appreciated the exercise, adding that the operation came at a time the country was approaching the yuletide and Bayelsa was preparing for off-cycle governorship election.
Diri equally lauded the efforts of the military in reducing crime and criminality in the state while enjoining them to continue to be proactive in making the state safe for all.
Diri vowed that the state government will the support the security agencies to keep Bayelsa peaceful.
He noted that the success of previous security exercises had contributed immensely to peaceful yuletide period in the state, and commended the Chief of Army Staff for sustaining the exercise.
“In our state and as we all know, we are in a period called the ember months, which attract criminal activities.
“So, it is necessary to set in place the machinery to check criminal activities as well as more importantly for the governorship election.
“Since assuming office, I have given priority to the security of our people and this is the essence of good governance. I have ensured that our people sleep with their two eyes closed.
“I appreciate the sacrifices and commitment of our gallant forces, which have helped reduce crime in our state,” he added.
Remarking, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, said the exercise would prioritize the key aspects of cyber warfare to counter negative propaganda in the social media space.
The GOC stated further that it would address other security challenges experienced during the end of the year.
He assured that personnel of the Nigerian Army were ready to pay the supreme price for the peace and security of Nigeria.
Abdussalam commended commanders from other security formations for their participation and support to the efforts at maintaining peace and security in the state.
The Commander 16 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Sadisu Yakassai, had earlier said the exercise was initiated to cover all areas of security concerns in Bayelsa, adding that relevant stakeholders within the security architecture were involved.
He said the exercise was aimed at curbing criminal activities such as pipeline vandalism, cultism, illegal oil refining, kidnapping among others.
The commander added that it was also introduced to prepare the troops for the Nov. 11 governorship election.
NAN reported that the inauguration featured gunboats display highlighting the readiness of the military to tackle any security threat, and also a free medical outreach for residents of Otuokpoti.
