Operation Delta Safe embarks on Exercise Safety Check in the creeks

The operation which has lasted many weeks and climaxed in Bakassi was held aboard several military gunboats which navigated up to the Cameroon military posts, Bataillon d’ Intervention Rapide (BIR), in Archibong Town.

The commander of ODS, Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman said they are not hesitating to enforce their mandate in the Niger Delta region, and also expressed the troops readiness to contain any eventuality in the area.

At the end of the exercise, he spoke at Ikang border post in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State.

He emphasised that the exercise was not really to descend on the remnants of the militants but was intended to ensure the protection of Nigeria’s critical economic infrastructures.

Suleiman expressed confidence in the mental and physical fitness of the troops to discharge their duties effectively.

Members of the taskforce comprise of the Nigerian army, navy, airforce, police and NSCDC personel.

Deputy force commander of the land component, Brig. Gen. Kelvin Aligbe as well as the sector 4 commander, Col. NU Muktar were among other top officers that accompanied Rear Admiral Suleiman during the exercise.

Suleiman said following their constance action in the Niger Delta “there has been relative peace within our joint operation area. What we have seen so far shows that our troops are ready and prepared for any eventuality. We are sure of enforcing the mandate that has been given to us.”

Highlight of the exercise was a feast the military had in Esighi community which was the bastion or hometown of the leader of the Bakassi Strike Force.

Meanwhile, while receiving Suleiman and his team at the Eastern Naval Command Calabar, Flag Officer Commanding, Rear Admiral James Oluwole, urged security agencies in Nigeria to collaborate more in order to forestall anythreat to the country’s national interest.