JTF winning war against oil theft, pipeline vandalism – Commander

The Joint Task Force (JTF) operating in the Niger Delta on Thursday said it was winning its fight against oil theft, pipeline vandalism and kidnapping among other crimes in the region.

Maj.-Gen. Modibbo Alkali, the outgoing Commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade, Owerri, said this at the sideline of the inauguration of a four-classroom block and ICT centre in Elele, Rivers.

The project embarked upon and completed by the Commanding Officer of the 343 Artillery Regiment, Elele Cantonment, in Rivers aimed to reduce classroom deficit at the barracks.

“The Nigerian Army, particularly, the 34 Artillery Brigade, with the corporation of civilians and the general public, we are able to contain a lot of security challenges bedevilling our area of operational responsibility.

“We have reduced kidnapping, armed robbery, oil theft and pipeline vandalism to the barest minimum.

“The work done by the unit (343 Artillery Regiment) and the army Brigade conform to the vision of the Chief of Army Staff to transform the Nigerian army into a force better able to meet contemporary challenges.

“The four-classroom block and computer centre, and other renovations and action done by the Chief of Army Staff have made our soldiers comfortable in their living environment.

“So, the welfare aspect in the Nigerian army is very good.”

Alkali commended the classroom project and synergy that existed among the various security agencies in their bid to end illegal oil bunkering activities in the Niger Delta.

The Commanding Officer of the 343 Artillery Regiment, Elele, Lt.-Col. Murkhtar Adamu, said the formation had reduced spate of attacks on pipelines belonging to Agip and Shell Petroleum Development Company.

Adamu said

that JTF troops destroyed several illegal refineries, badges, vessels and discovered several illegal pipeline puncture-points, stressing it had contributed to improvement in oil production.

He expressed optimism that the four-classroom block and ICT centre would boost education of children and wards of officers and soldiers at the barracks.

“The project was initiated to end the deplorable and over populated classrooms in the school which prompted parents to transfer their children to schools outside the barracks.

“The effect is that children who study outside the barracks are exposed to risks of crossing the ever busy Elele-Yenagoa road which does not enhance education standard at the barracks,” he said