Bayelsa Government Calls for the Establishment Special Brigades to Curb Criminality, Protect Critical National Assets

The Bayelsa State Government has called for the establishment of special brigades of the Nigerian Army in the state, with a view to curbing criminal acts and contributing to the overall peace and stability of the Niger Delta.

Deputy Governor, Retired Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah made the call, when the Minister of Defence, retired Brigadier General Mansur Dan-Ali paid him a courtesy visit in Government House, Yenagoa.

He noted that the creation of two battalions as earlier approved before his retirement from the military would not only assist in securing the nation's critical assets in the state, but also reduce response time in the event of any security challenge.

The Deputy Governor also lauded the Federal Government's security outfit in the Niger Delta, Operation Delta Safe for its initiative to involve communities in intelligence gathering towards stemming security challenges in the region.

Describing the initiative as thoughtful, John Jonah pointed out that, no security arrangement in the area would succeed without the effective collaboration of the people, given the peculiar terrain of the Niger Delta region.

While expressing gratitude to the Minister of Defence and his entourage for the visit, the Deputy Governor reaffirmed the state government's commitment towards partnering with security agencies to achieve enduring peace.

According to John Jonah, the Dickson-led administration would not renege on its stance on zero tolerance to crime and criminality, as it is in the best interest of the state to provide a peaceful environment to attract investments.

Speaking earlier the Minister of Defence, Retired Brigadier General Mansur Dan-Ali said, he was in the state to assess the performance of Operation Delta Safe, as well as its welfare, especially in the area of logistic support.

As part of its plan to engage communities in its security architecture, Brigadier General Dan-Ali said efforts are on to incorporate beneficiaries of the Federal Government's Amnesty programme in the fight against pipeline vandalism and other criminal activities threatening national security and stability.  

The Minister of Defence was accompanied on the visit by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olorunsakin.