The Nigerian Army has commenced a security operation code-named Exercise Still Waters III to tackle pipeline vandalism, cultism, illegal oil refining, kidnapping, and other crimes in Bayelsa.

The exercise was inaugurated on Tuesday in Otuokpoti, Ogbia council area.

In his speech, Governor Douye Diri hailed the military for the exercise, saying security was imperative to ensuring good governance.

He welcomed the exercise, saying that the operation came when the country is approaching the yuletide, and Bayelsa was preparing for the off-cycle governorship election.

Mr Diri also appreciated the military’s efforts in reducing crime and criminality in the state and urged them to continue to be proactive in making the state safe for all.

Mr Diri pledged the support of the Bayelsa government to security agencies to keep Bayelsa peaceful.

According to him, the success of previous security exercises had contributed immensely to a peaceful yuletide period in the state, and he commended the Chief of Army Staff for sustaining the exercise.

“In our state, and as we all know, we are in a period called the ember months, which attract criminal activities. So, it is necessary to set in place the machinery to check criminal activities as well as, more importantly, for the governorship election.

“Since assuming office, I have given priority to the security of our people, and this is the essence of good governance. I have ensured that our people sleep with their two eyes closed. I appreciate the sacrifices and commitment of our gallant forces, which have helped reduce crime in our state,” he added.

In his remarks, the general officer commanding (GOC) 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, said the exercise would focus on key aspects of cyber warfare to counter negative propaganda in the social media space.

Earlier, the commander of the 16 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Sadisu Yakassai, said the exercise was designed to cover all areas of security concerns in Bayelsa, adding that relevant stakeholders within the security architecture were involved.

He said the exercise aimed to stop criminal activities such as pipeline vandalism, cultism, illegal oil refining, and kidnapping. 

The commander added that it was also designed to prepare the troops for the November 11 governorship election.

The inauguration featured a gunboat display highlighting the readiness of the military to tackle any security threat, as well as a free medical outreach for residents of Otuokpoti. 

(NAN)