Governor Douye Diri has called for all hands to be on deck to further consolidate and stabilise the current peace being enjoyed in Bayelsa State.
A statement by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Major Danjuma Jonah said the Governor made the call while flagging off Exercise STILL WATERS III at Otuopkoti, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The Bayelsa Governor reiterated the importance of setting in motion different strategies such as Exercise STILL WATERS III to checkmate the possible rise in criminal activities within the state, especially as the yuletide season approaches, and the preparation for 2023 Gubernatorial Election in the state gains momentum.
While acknowledging that the numerous successes recorded through the Exercise last year, contributed immensely to the peaceful yuletide enjoyed by the people of Bayelsa in 2022, he said “a lot have been achieved in terms of peace and security in the state as a result of operations of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.”
He commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja for sustaining the exercise, as he was particularly delighted with the professional conduct of the troops of the 16 Brigade.
Governor Diri stated that “the enormous commitment and sacrifices of all the gallant security forces in the state in improving security and peace for Bayelsans is highly appreciated.”
Speaking at the event, the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 6 Division, Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South South, Operations DELTA SAFE, Major General Jamal Abdussalam stated that the Exercise is in line with the COAS command philosophy “ to Transform the Nigerian Army into a Well-Trained, Equipped, and Highly Motivated Force Towards Achieving our Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint Environment.”
General Abdussalam further stated that the Nigerian Army has come a long way and living up to its assigned constitutional duties, especially in contributing to global peace and security.
“Integrating relevant security agencies in the state, enhances the troop’s proficiency in the execution of military operations other than war and cements the existing cordial civil-military cooperation to facilitate civilian support for the military,” he said.
The GOC further stated that there has been a significant increase in Nigeria’s oil output. He attributed this to the renewed efforts of troops in securing pipelines and clamping on illegal oil bunkering. This he said clearly shows that those who accused the military of being part of the problem do not really understand the situation.
General Abdussalam urged troops not to be demoralised but to continue to be loyal, disciplined, and dedicated at all times.
While delivering his remarks, the Commander 16 Brigade, Brigadier General Sadisu Yakasai stated that this year’s Exercise has been packaged to cover all areas of security concerns in the state, in other to garner participation from all stakeholders in the security architecture of the state so as to create a free and safe environment for Bayelsa and Nigerians.
Highpoint of the flag off was an amphibious display, medical outreach, as well as group photographs.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
