CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF LAUNCHES EXERCISE STILL WATERS 3, CHARGES OFFICERS ON OIL THEFT FIGHT
COAS LT. GEN. LAGBAJA (with flag) AND GOC, MAJ. GEN. ABDUSSALAM IN AHOADA
BY GABRIEL OKECHUKWU, FRCN PORT HARCOURT
Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has charged officers of 6 Division Nigerian Army to redouble fight against oil theft, Pipeline Vandalism and militancy in Niger Delta region.
Lieutenant General Lagbaja who gave the charge while flagging off Exercise Still Waters 3 at step up command Ahoada Rivers State, also inaugurated ten gun boats, three vehicles and other projects within 6 Division headquarters in Port Harcourt.
Apart from Nigerian Army, other security agencies participating in Exercise Still Waters 3 include Nigerian Navy, Air Force, Department of State Services DSS, Police, Civil Defence among others.
Exercise Still Waters which has become a yearly operation by Nigerian Army is meant to strengthen security in communities, creeks, and oil installations during ember months till the end of festive season when there has been upsurge of crimes.
Performing the symbolic flag off ceremony at Ahoada Step up Command, Rivers State, the Chief of Army Staff COAS, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja who noted that Niger Delta Region has been bedeviled with sea piracy, bunkering activities and cultism, charged officers to increase the tempo of the fight against oil theft in the region.
Lieutenant General Lagbaja who said that the exercise would run concurrently with similar exercises in other parts of the country, expressed confidence that the addition of ten gun boats which he inaugurated to the fleet of 6 Division would enhance oil theft fight.
The working visit to 6 Division being the maiden edition since taking over as Chief of Army Staff, he cautioned officers against providing coverage for vandals.
The Chief of Army Staff while inaugurating staff accommodation, operational vehicles and other projects within 6 Division barracks, described the move as part of his policy to see to the welfare of officers to boost their morale.
Earlier in an address, the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 6 Division Nigerian Army Port Harcourt, Major General Jamal Abdussalam told Chief of Army Staff that officers and men of the Division were battle ready for the exercise, having conducted preparatory operations at different formations within 6 Division.
Major General Abdussalam who warned that no criminal element would be spared added that synergy among security operatives would enhance the exercise.
While appreciating the Chief of Army Staff for the projects in the barracks, the GOC admitted that they would facilitate smooth operations in the barracks and encourage officers to deliver on their assignments.
Some of the projects inaugurated include RSM quarters, Remodeled Headquarters Reception, Corp members lodge, 26 Support Engineer building, set of musical instrument, Shopping Mall foundation laying, among others.
