By ZAKAA LAZARUS-Abuja.
The Chief Of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has reassured that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) will not deter in serving Nigeria.
He gave the assurance at the inauguration ceremony of the Defence Monitoring Team for ongoing military operations in the South South region, held at Headquarters, 6 Division, Port Harcourt Barracks, Rivers State.
Speaking further, the CDS said the role of the monitoring teams is essentially to optimize military and security agencies operations within the oil-producing region.
The objective he emphasized is to assess the performance of the military and report to commanders for enhancement. He highlighted the collaboration between the AFN and other security agencies, which he said greatly enhanced daily oil production in the region.
He maintained that the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) aimed to foster a collective effort without assigning blame in ensuring that everyone fulfils their designated constitutional responsibilities.
He urged the team to coordinate with the Joint Task Force (JTF), South South Operation DELTA SAFE and other security agencies, and stakeholders in the oil sector to ensure seamless operations.
He said the team was aware of the mandate issued by the President and Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to increase oil production to 2.2 million barrels per day.
He reminded officers that securing critical national infrastructure and oil-producing areas, as well as collaborating with oil companies to maximize production up to 2.2 million barrels per day by December, are vital components of their mandate.
General Musa expressed confidence in the team’s ability, highlighting their commitment and loyalty to constitutional authority.
He assured that the nation relies on the military’s dedication and emphasized their responsibility to uphold it.
He commended the officers and troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) South South Operations Delta Safe for their dedication to ensuring the security of lives and property in the Niger Delta and across Nigeria.
The Chairman of the Defence Monitoring Team, Major General Jamiu Jimoh, expressed gratitude to the CDS for entrusting the team with this crucial task.
He acknowledged the substantial support and cooperation received from troops and other security agencies in the region.
He pledged that the team would work relentlessly to achieve the target of producing 2.2 million oil barrels per day as directed by the President.
The CDS also visited the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, where he reassured him of continuous support.
He reiterated the military’s commitment to professionalism in fulfilling their constitutional duties.
He also used the medium to appreciate Governor Fubara for the peace existing in the State, adding that the inauguration of the DHQ monitoring team of will make a paradigm shift in ongoing efforts to curb the menace of oil theft.
Governor Fubara reiterated that Rivers State Government has done a lot in curbing pipeline vandalism and would support the federal government in this regard in ensuring that oil production increases.
He hinted on the emerging trend of sea piracy around Bonny axis, reassuring that efforts are underway to procure maritime platforms to support security agencies to deal with the challenge.
