The Nigerian Army will continue to conduct operations to recover the military equipment and arms carted away in the Okuama community of the Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
This was disclosed by the General Officer Commanding 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen Jamal Abdussalam, on Tuesday.
He spoke as the special guest of honour at the inauguration of the remodelled and reconstructed transit accommodation for soldiers at the 3 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of the state.
The fully furnished project comprising a total of 68 rooms, 18 toilets and bathrooms and three central kitchens, among other facilities inside the barracks, was constructed and donated by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, a private pipeline surveillance outfit owned by Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
The GOC said, “We remember with sadness the event of March 14, 2024, in the Okuama community where our troops were brutally murdered.
“We will not rest. We will continue to conduct operations until our equipment and arms are recovered.”
Speaking further, Abdussalam noted that the army transit accommodation would address the critical needs of the troops, adding that the initiative was in line with the philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja.
“The project would go a long way in lifting the spirit of the personnel,” he said.
The GOC commended the management of TSSNL for the laudable project which, he noted, “would benefit the unit, brigade and, by extension, the Nigerian Army.”
He said the project underscored the importance of completing operational successes in the field with sound administration and robust welfare of troops.
The GOC also said the initiative had demonstrated the importance and power of quality leadership and unity of purpose in the attainment of big goals.
He said, “The transit accommodation represents a remarkable milestone as it addresses the critical needs of our troops. The project highlights the impact of corporate social responsibilities in the spirit of joint effort.
“I am aware of the enormous resources Tantita committed to the project. The project shows that our bond transcends operational synergy in the field.”
Earlier, the Managing Director of TSSNL, Mr Kestin Pondi, said that the project was “just a way to appreciate the Nigerian Army.”
Represented at the event by the Executive Director of Operations, Technical of the TSSNL, Captain Warriedi Enisuoh, he said the task for the company to successfully protect against crude oil theft would not have been easy without the support of the military.
He said, “As a private security company, we are not allowed to hold arms, a reason we rely on the government security forces.
“Over time, a lot of them have sacrificed their lives while trying to make sure we live. This project is a holding facility for troops on transfer, to make them feel comfortable.”