October 19, (THEWILL) – Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Tuesday, flagged off the 2022 Operation Still Waters Exercise with a call on stakeholders in the security subsector to improve on the prevailing synergy among the various security agencies in the Niger Delta.
Performing the ceremony at the 16 Brigade Army Forward Operating Base, Otuokpoti, in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state, he stressed that the peculiar security challenges of the region could be better addressed through a more cordial military-civil relationship.
The Governor, who was represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, highlighted the challenges to include pipeline vandalism, illegal oil refining, kidnapping, cultism and youth restiveness.
He, however, acknowledged that the deployment of military forces and other security agencies have helped to stem the tide of criminal activities in the region.
Governor Diri, therefore, commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant Gen. Faruk Yahaya and the 16 Brigade Nigerian Army for collaborating with other sister agencies to achieve the existing peace and security in Bayelsa and the Niger Delta in general.
But the Bayelsa Chief Executive insisted that more sacrifices and synergy are required from all stakeholders to maintain the peace, especially as the Yuletide and general elections get closer by the day.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after the flag-off, he reiterated his administration’s commitment towards supporting security agencies and called for collective effort in the fight against crude oil theft.
His words: “Since the assumption of office as the Governor of Bayelsa State, I have given priority attention to the security of lives and property of our people as this is the essence of good governance and secured peaceful development.
“I, therefore, appreciate and recognize the enormous commitment and sacrifices of all gallant security forces in the state in improving security and peace for Bayelsans.
“The peculiar security challenges within the Niger Delta Region is common knowledge, especially with respect to oil pipeline vandalism, illegal oil refining, kidnapping, cultism and youth restiveness.
“These challenges have led to the deployment of military forces and other security agencies to stem the tide of crimes in the region. There is no doubt that a lot has been achieved in terms of peace and security in the state as a result of the operations of the Nigerian Army and the other security forces.
“But as the Yuletide and general elections approach, all hands must be on deck to further consolidate and stabilise the peace we currently enjoy in Bayelsa.”
Also speaking, the Commander, 16 Brigade Nigerian Army, Yenagoa, Brig. Gen. SY Yakasai, assured that the Nigerian Army has been repositioned to deal decisively with anyone including military personnel found culpable in oil theft and other criminal activities.
Brig General Yakasai thanked the Bayelsa State government for its support and promised that the Nigerian Army would step up its collaborative efforts with other security agencies in the maintenance of peace and security.
He said, “The Nigerian Army has no place for any criminal. Anybody in the Nigerian Army or any of the armed forces that are found wanting, as far as this operation is concerned, will be dealt with ruthlessly.
“But I want to assure you that the level of discipline in the Nigerian Army today is unparalleled and I don’t think any of our personnel will allow himself to be involved in such (oil theft).
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