Nigerian Army gets gun-boats to fight oil theft in Niger Delta0

A Nigerian Army chief said on Friday in
Calabar that the army had acquired gun-
boats to fight oil theft in the Niger Delta
region.
The GOC, 82 Division, Nigerian Army,
Enugu, Major General Adebayor Olaniyi,
said this while inaugurating five projects
at the 13 Brigade Command, Calabar.
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 warned.
He expressed delight at the programme,
adding that the commissioning of the
projects in the command would enhance
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 after
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 said.
He charged officers at the command to
emulate Azinta with a view to adding their
contribution and values toward the
development of the command.
Mr. Olaniyi later told the News Agency of
Nigeria that most of the structures
renovated and commissioned were built
in 1904.
He charged the officers to exhibit good
maintenance culture to sustain the
projects.
Also speaking, Mr. Azinta expressed
happiness at the projects.
The commander 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 Security Adviser to Governor Liyel
Imoke of Cross River, 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 said.