The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, Maj. Gen. Adebayor Olanniyi, has said that oil theft had reduced in Cross River and Akwa Ibom.
Olanniyi said in Calabar on Monday that with the combined efforts and operation of the Joint Task Force (JTF), oil theft in Cross River and Akwa Ibom had reduced, adding that security agencies were on alert to curb illegal bunkering in the two states.
Speaking while commissioning four projects executed by Brig. Gen. Okwudili Azinta, the Commander of 13 Brigade Akim Barracks, Calabar, the GOC said “the Nigerian Army in collaboration with other security agencies was working to ensure that oil theft and kidnapping were reduced to the barest minimum.
“The JTF has destroyed a large number of boats used for illegal bunkering and to smuggle petroleum products out of the country,” he said.
He commended Azinta for taking a bold step in executing the projects, adding that if officers and men of the Nigerian Army had better accommodation, it would boost their strength in coping with the present security challenges in the country.
“I want to appreciate the leadership that Azinta has shown within the short period he took over as Commander of 13 Brigade; he has done well,’ the GOC said.
The projects commissioned included the residence of the former Governor-General of Southern Nigeria and single officers’ accommodation.
Others were 13 Brigade urban communication mast and a block of 30 flats for soldiers.