We foiled 419 vandalism attempts on oil export pipeline in N/Delta in 2019 says Military Commander

The Joint Military Force deployed to protect oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta on Saturday says that more than 419 attacks on oil export facilities were nipped in the bud in 2019.

The feat, according to the military led to uninterrupted oil experts in the outgone year.

Rear Admiral Akinjide Akinrinade, Commander of the joint force said that the operations of Shell Petroleum Development Company as well as other International Oil Companies were the key targets.

Akinrinade, gave the information while speaking as the special guest during the West Africa Social Activities (WASA), organized by the 16 brigade of the Nigerian Army, Yenagoa on Saturday.

He explained that efforts of the military and particularly that of the officers and men of the 16 Brigade have drastically reduce the level of crimes in the Niger Delta region. 

According to him, the 16 Brigade garrison, which is part of the Operation Delta Safe has contributed enormously to the operational achievements of the Joint Task Force in the year 2019.

 “Significantly, the Joint Task Force has averted over 419 attempted infractions on Shell Petroleum Development Company major pipelines as well as other export pipelines.

“This alone is about 72.2% of the total attempt made on these assets. 

“The 16 Brigade since its take off in 2017 has no doubt done well in the discharge of its constitutional roles in line with the vision of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai.

“The performance of the brigade particularly in the just concluded exercise Crocodile Smile IV, is highly commendable.

“This is evidently manifested in the drastic reduction in the numbers of crimes within the brigade area of responsibility, but while recounting this successes, there is need to remain focused and not to be complacent.

“I am happy that Nigerian Army keeps this age long tradition of bringing officers, their family and friends to socialize, this has helped to foster esprit-de-corp and promote civil military relationship.

“This event is to promote reach cultural heritage in promoting unity in diversity, it also reminds us of importance place that culture and tradition occupy in our social life." Akinrinade said.  

The Commander, 16 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Yenagoa, Brigadier General E T Essien, explained that the WASA activities is customary marked by the Nigerian Army to end of each training year, and to usher in the near year.

He said that given the significance of the annual event, the Chief of Army Staff directed all Nigerian Army formations and units to conduct the year 2019 West Africa Social Activities (WASA) in upholding our age long unique military tradition.

He recalled that WASA was introduced when the Nigerian Army fought as part of the West Africa Royal Frontier Force in the second World War and was sustained as part of the Army traditions.