The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, says the welfare of personnel in the Niger Delta region remains his top priority.

Mr Abbas stated this in Yenagoa on Tuesday during his inaugural familiarisation visit to the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, Headquarters South-South, and the Central Naval Command (CNC) of the Nigerian Navy.

The visit was his first to the JTF and CNC since his recent appointment by President Bola Tinubu.

Addressing officers and men, the CNS stressed the navy’s strategic importance in safeguarding the country’s oil resources.

Mr Abbas said the welfare of the officers and men is his top priority, stating, “If their welfare is not seriously taken care of, I don’t think they can be achieving what they have achieved.”

He commended the JTF and the CNC and encouraged them to do more, adding, “We need harmonious collaboration because we cannot do it alone.”

“I can assure you that we are working with those who are ready to work with us harmoniously towards achieving the same goal to make our waterways crime-free.

“Thus, boosting our economy as we rely on the resources we have in our maritime environment, particularly in the Niger Delta.”

In his address, the commander of Operation Delta Safe, Rear Adm. Oladipo Fahad, said the joint task force is dedicated to securing the Niger Delta’s oil infrastructure.

He said the CNS’s visit underscored the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Navy and the collective efforts of the armed forces of Nigeria.

Mr Fahad said that to ensure the security of vital oil and gas infrastructure, Operation Delta Safe was activated with a clear and resolute mandate to curb pipeline vandalism and militancy, protect critical infrastructure, including oil and gas facilities, and deter criminal elements, including oil thieves.

”In pursuit of this objective, we have adopted a comprehensive, intelligence-driven, and tactical approach that emphasises partnership, community engagement, and rigorous security patrols.

“Over the course of our operation, we have seen notable progress in ensuring confidence amongst stakeholders, destroying criminal networks, and safeguarding critical infrastructures,” he said.

The JTF commander said efforts with sister services, law enforcement agencies, and local communities have been instrumental in achieving the cause.

(NAN)