Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has declared total support for the Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation Delta Safe, as it intensifies its campaign against crude oil theft and other related offences.
The governor made the pledge on Tuesday when he received a delegation from the Joint Task Force led by its newly appointed Commander, Olugbenga Oladipo, at his office in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
Otti restated his administration’s dedication to inter-agency collaboration in security matters, emphasizing the importance of protecting oil installations, ensuring the safety of residents, and creating a secure environment attractive to investors.
“We have no doubt that we will work together to rid this place of crime and criminality. I want to assure you that we will take up the offer of support from you.
“We need to guarantee that our people can come home, do their business and sleep with their two eyes closed, irrespective of what it takes”, Otti said.
The governor praised the JTF commander for the visible progress recorded since taking over in November, noting that a clear understanding of how oil theft syndicates operate is key to dismantling them.
“Once you understand how they operate, stopping them in their tracks becomes easier,” he added.
He also recalled that at the beginning of his administration, certain local government areas were cut off due to banditry. However, he credited the sustained intervention of security agencies for restoring peace and access.
Otti revealed that the state convenes monthly Security Council meetings and has reinforced its internal security framework through the Homeland Security outfit.
He further encouraged the JTF to set up a permanent operational base in Ukwa West LGA, Abia’s oil-producing region, assuring the team of accommodation and logistical assistance from the state government.
“So what we’ll probably be asking for is for you to have a base here while you maintain your headquarters in Yenagoa. I will provide accommodation and everything required, particularly in Ukwa West, where we have oil in the state,” he said.
Earlier, Oladipo explained that his visit was to officially introduce himself as Commander of Operation Delta Safe and to strengthen cooperation with the Abia State Government.
He stated that the Joint Task Force oversees operations across Niger Delta states and parts of the South-East with oil infrastructure. Its mandate includes protecting oil and gas assets, tackling crude oil theft and illegal bunkering, safeguarding lives and property, and supporting increased oil production as directed by President Bola Tinubu.
The commander observed that while pipeline vandalism has declined due to surveillance and protection contracts, criminals have redirected their activities to wellheads, employing methods such as drone jammers and chemical manipulation of crude oil to refine diesel and benzene.
He assured the governor of the JTF’s readiness to respond swiftly to any security challenge within its jurisdiction.
“We are ready to deploy 24 hours to any state that requires our assistance. We are here for you,” he said.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Navy Captain MacDonald Ubah (Rtd), described the new commander as a highly capable officer and expressed optimism that his leadership would further reduce oil bunkering and other related crimes in the state.