Proliferation of weapons, threat to peace in Niger Delta – Admiral Okeke

The Commander Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), Rear Admiral John Okeke, has said that the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in the Niger Delta is a threat to his Joint Operation Areas (JOA).

Admiral Okeke added that a major security concern across the JOA was the high proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW).

The OPDS commander, stated this in Yenagoa, during an interactive session with Defence correspondents who are touring DHQ-led operations in the South-South region, added that the illicit weapons embolden the criminals to carry out criminalities and confront security personnel.

Represented at the interactive session by the Maritime Component Commander, Commodore Adedokun John Siyanbade, the JTF – OPDS Commander, said: “The JTF conducts intelligence-driven raid operations aimed at recovery of illicit weapons in possession of criminals across the JOA. Within the period under review, a total of 74 illicit weapons were recovered from criminals with arrangements in place to hand over the same as directed. Efforts would continue at mopping up illicit arms by the JTF to further deny the criminals freedom of action.”

On its Anti-kidnapping Operations, Admiral Okeke, said: “Kidnapping for ransom is also a common occurrence across the JOA. Therefore, the JTF conducts anti-kidnapping operations to complement the efforts of the NPF and other GSAs to combat the threat. Just recently, on Sat 30 Mar 24, a total of nine persons, including one of own personnel were kidnapped by gunmen around the Ughelli axis of the East-West Road and were demanding huge ransom for their release.”

“In response, HQ OPDS initiated an INTEL-led Search and Rescue (SAR) operation and negotiation process for the release of the victims. Consequently, on Mon 1 Apr 24, the efforts yielded positive results leading to the rescue of all nine victims unhurt as well as the arrest of 10 suspects involved in the dastardly act.”

The military commander noted that the operations of the OPDS had generally restored peace and order across the JOA.

He said that the Niger Delta region which used to be insecure and a hub of criminality is now relatively safe.

He stressed that the populace was enjoying a peaceful and tranquil environment as they went about their daily activities without fear.

While noting that there are still pockets of security issues, which are minimal, the commander said that the security threats are being contained.

In its effort to tackle Oil theft and protect oil infrastructures, Admiral Okeke said, the anti-crude Oil Theft (COT) efforts of the JTF during the period in consideration led to the demobilization of about 402 illegal oil refining sites each of which contains varying numbers of camps, over 649 storage facilities and 417 large wooden boats, among others.

He said that the 63 vehicles and 25 tanker trucks engaged in conveying illegally refined products were arrested and handled appropriately.

“Additionally, about 8,637,152 litres of crude oil and 1,038,825 litres of illegally refined AGO as well as about 24,525 litres of DPK and 125,440 litres of PMS were denied the criminals. In the process of conducting these operations, 379 suspects were arrested in connection with various crimes. The suspects and exhibits were handed over to appropriate prosecuting agencies for further action. While some of the arrested suspects were convicted, others are still undergoing trials in various courts of law.

He noted that the JTF will continue to sustain its anti-COT efforts until the crime is eliminated or reduced to the barest minimum.

Director of Defence Media Operations and Team Leader of the DHQ Media Tour, Major Gen Edward Buba, said that the tour of operational theatre across the federation was aimed at equipping Defence correspondents with practical experience that would help them report security issues from an informed perspective.