OTTI SUPPORTS OIL THEFT CRACKDOWN, PROVIDES JTF BASE IN ABIA COMMUNITY
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
Abia State Governor Alex Otti has pledged full support to the Joint Task Force (JTF), South-South, Operation Delta Safe, in its intensified campaign against crude oil theft and related crimes.
Otti made the commitment on Tuesday while receiving a delegation of the JTF, led by its new Commander, Olugbenga Oladipo, at his office in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South LGA.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to inter-agency security collaboration, emphasizing the importance of protecting oil infrastructure, ensuring the safety of residents, and attracting investors.
“We are committed to working together to eliminate crime and criminality in this area. I assure you that we will fully support your efforts,” he said.
“We must ensure that our people can return home, conduct their businesses, and sleep peacefully, no matter what it takes,” Otti said.
He praised the JTF commander for the significant impact made since taking office in November, noting that understanding the operational patterns of oil theft is key to dismantling criminal networks.
“Once you understand how they operate, it becomes much easier to stop them in their tracks,” he added.
Otti recalled that when his administration began, some local government areas were inaccessible due to banditry, but credited the consistent efforts of security agencies for restoring order.
He revealed that the state holds monthly Security Council meetings and has bolstered its security framework through its Homeland Security initiative.
The governor urged the JTF to set up a dedicated operational base in Ukwa West LGA, Abia State’s oil-producing hub, offering to provide accommodation and logistical support.
“So, we will likely request that you establish a base here while maintaining your headquarters in Yenagoa. I will provide accommodation and all necessary support, especially in Ukwa West, where our oil assets are located,” he said.
Earlier, Commander Olugbenga Oladipo explained that his visit was to formally introduce himself as the new head of Operation Delta Safe and to strengthen collaboration with Abia State.
He noted that the Joint Task Force operates across the Niger Delta and parts of the South-East with oil infrastructure, tasked with protecting oil and gas facilities, curbing crude oil theft and bunkering, safeguarding lives and property, and supporting increased production as directed by President Bola Tinubu.
The commander added that while pipeline vandalism has declined due to protection contracts, criminals have shifted their focus to wellheads, employing tactics such as drone jammers and chemically adulterating crude to produce diesel and benzene.
He assured Governor Otti that the JTF maintains a 24-hour Quick Response Squad ready for deployment across its operational areas.
“We are prepared to respond at any time, day or night, to any state that needs our assistance. We are here to support you,” he said.
In his remarks, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Security Matters, Navy Captain MacDonald Ubah (Rtd), described the new commander as a capable and resourceful officer, expressing confidence that his leadership would further reduce oil bunkering and related criminal activities in the state.
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