Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has flagged off Exercise Still Waters III at Otuopkoti, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, calling on all hands to be on deck to consolidate and stabilise the peace currently enjoyed in the state
Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Maj. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma said this in a statement on Thursday.
Danjuma said that the flag-off exercise took place on Tuesday, October 17.
Danjuma quoted the governor as reiterating the importance of setting in motion different strategies such as Exercise Still Waters III to checkmate the possible rise in criminal activities within the state, especially as the yuletide season approaches, and the preparation for 2023 Gubernatorial Election in the state gains momentum.
The governor was further quoted as acknowledging that the numerous successes recorded by Exercise Still Waters last year contributed immensely to the peaceful yuletide enjoyed by Bayelsans in 2022, adding that a lot have been achieved in terms of peace and security in the state as a result of operations of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.
“While commending the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TA Lagbaja for sustaining the Exercise, he was particularly delighted with the professional conduct of the troops of the 16 Brigade.
“He added that the enormous commitment and sacrifices of all the gallant security forces in the state in improving security and peace for Bayelsans is appreciated,” Danjuma said.
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army/ Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South South, Operations Delta Safe, Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam stated that the Exercise is in line with the COAS command philosophy which is “To Transform the Nigerian Army into a Well-Trained, Equipped, and Highly Motivated Force Towards Achieving our Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint Environment”.
He added that the Nigerian Army has come a long way and living up to its assigned constitutional duties, especially in contributing to global peace and security.
He stated that “Integrating relevant security agencies in the state, enhances the troop’s proficiency in the execution of military operations other than war” and cemented the existing cordial civil-military cooperation to facilitate civilian support for the military.
The GOC further stated that there has been a significant increase in Nigeria’s oil output.
He attributed this to the renewed efforts of troops in securing pipelines and clamping on illegal oil bunkering.
This he said clearly showed that those who accused the military of being part of the problem don’t really understand the situation.
He urged troops not to be demoralised but to continue to be loyal, disciplined, and dedicated at all times.