CDS Urges Operation Delta Safe Troops to Uphold Professionalism

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has called on troops of Joint Task Force South South Operation Delta Safe to carry out their duties with professionalism and integrity.

According to the statement signed by Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, the CDS delivered the charge during the commissioning of a new ultra-modern accommodation block for non-commissioned officers and a remodelled conference hall at the JTF headquarters in Igbogene, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Thursday.

Gen Oluyede warned troops to avoid involvement in illegal activities or compromise while protecting oil and gas infrastructure, which he described as vital to Nigeria’s economic stability. He reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare of armed forces personnel through enhanced support programmes currently under consideration.

He also commended the Commander of Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Olugbenga Oladipo, for initiating and completing the projects, noting they added significant value to the command’s operations.

Responding, Rear Admiral Oladipo thanked the CDS for honouring the event and said the facilities were conceived in line with the CDS’s military strategic philosophy, which places strong emphasis on troop welfare. He explained that the 24-apartment accommodation block is equipped with round-the-clock solar power, water supply, beddings and cooling systems to improve soldiers’ comfort. He reiterated his commitment to prioritising troop welfare to boost morale and sustain efforts to protect oil infrastructure, deter militancy, curb sea robbery and safeguardcommunities across the Niger Delta.

Senior military officers present at the event included the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Emekah; the Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command, represented by Chief of Staff Air Vice Marshal JJ Ijugigal; the Commander 16 Brigade, Brigadier General Nurulhayat Mohammed; as well as principal staff officers from Defence Headquarters.