Army vows to eliminate crude theft, criminal vices in Delta

The Commander, 63 Brigade of Nigerian Army in Delta State, Brigadier-General Salisu Aliyu, has vowed to eliminate crude oil theft and other criminal vices in Delta State.

Aliyu stated this while inaugurating the projects executed by the Commanding Officer, 181 Amphibious Battalion, Agbor, Lieutenant-Colonel AN Abubakar, in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State.

He said, “Let me use this medium to reiterate the need for troops to sustain the tempo of the operations against crude oil theft in the state.

“The contributions of the Brigade towards the fight against crude oil theft and other criminal vices are equally appreciated. Therefore, we must sustain these achievements in support of national security for the economic prosperity of our nation.

“I must therefore acknowledge that this commissioning further avails me another opportunity to reaffirm the competence, commitment and achievements of the Brigade towards achieving the CoAS Philosophy.

“I am glad to note some of these achievements will create an enabling environment towards addressing the administrative and operational challenges of the unit.”

He further encouraged the troops to give their best with a view to eliminate crude oil thieves and other hoodlums, knowing that the home front is well secured.

Commending the Commanding Officer for the laudable projects, Aliyu said he was optimistic that these projects will set the tone for the development of the barracks.

Aliyu urged officers to take absolute ownership of these projects as well as inculcate a positive maintenance culture so that these huge legacy projects will serve future generations of the Nigerian Army.

In his remark, the Lt.-Col Abubakar said the auspicious occasion was significant, considering the value the projects will add to the officers, soldiers and their families in the unit.

He explained that the facilities will no doubt provide enabling environment for them to perform their duties optimally, especially bearing in mind that the home front is well taken care of.

“The WOs and Sgt Mess will provide another enabling environment for our troops as well as their friends to relax and unwind after the day job.

“It has a five-bed room accommodation for guests on transit, a NAPEX and a restaurant. These were made available for ease of access to sumptuous meals and other necessities especially for the guests and families” he explained.

The projects executed also included signposts along the highway to give commuters a sense of security and awareness of the presence of military barracks at the outskirts of the town, Guard Post and electricity lines connected to the soldiers’ accommodation.