- New army unit not to intimidate Niger Delta, says Buratai
Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa
The Nigerian military tuesday formally commenced the operationalisation of the 16 Brigade of the Nigerian Army located on Elebele Road, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Col, Tukur Buratai, who had earlier visited the state Governor, Seriake Dickson, in his office, said the emerging security threats, both internal and external, prompted the location of the army unit in the state.
The proximity of the state to the Atlantic Ocean, which had recently witnessed encroachment from foreign countries and the issues of piracy, kidnapping, sabotage of critical infrastructure, the army chief said, were some of the reasons the new brigade was established.
Buratai explained that the military outfit was not to intimidate or harass the people of the Niger Delta, and called for the cooperation of all stakeholders to rid the region of all forms of crimes.
While announcing plans to set up some more units in Yenagoa, Nembe, Sagbama, Okordia and Zarama, the army chief explained that the state should be adequately secured at all times because of its strategic location and the massive national assets and investment potential it has.
He added that the approval for the setting up of more military formations in the state by President Muhammadu Buhari was in fulfillment to the request made by the present administration in the state.
“Today is not just about fulfillment of promises, but about the realities of the times. Several security challenges confront us today that require very robust response, to ensure the preservation of human life and dignity. And also for the protection of individuals and critical national assets for the well-being of Nigerians and those visiting us. This is the cardinal reason government exists.
“Unfortunately, the last one year, particularly in the Niger Delta, there has been heightened insecurity and attendant dwindling national resources.
“Many of our relatives and friends in the Niger Delta became direct victims of piracy, robbery, kidnapping, ethnic rival cult wars and environmental hazards occasioned by proliferation of arms and illegal oil bunkering,” he said.
The military chief maintained that no responsible government would allow the degeneration of security, especially in critical areas, noting that the newly inaugurated unit would help halt the tide of security breaches in the oil-rich area.
Burutai stated that “no government worth its salt will allow such brazen attacks on its citizens and national assets without doing something about it.
“So, the expansion of the footprints of the Nigerian army in the states is one of the ways by the administration of President Buhari to turn the tide of insecurity in the country in partnership with stakeholders in several other states.”
He declared that he has already deployed some of his most experienced lieutenants to take over the running of the young unit, noting that with the leadership of the brigade, the state is now in safe hands.
“We have a brigade commander in person of Brig Gen Kelvin Aligbe. Today, we will formally operationalise the brigade in the state. This is a strategic division which we all know.
“Bayelsa State, apart from its strategic location, because it has boundary with the Atlantic ocean, has a very rich and strong coastline and indeed the economic resources that this country has, require a formation that has a responsibility to deter and defend any external aggression from that direction,” Buratai added.
He told the people of the Niger Delta that “the military formation must never be misconstrued for intimidation or invasion.
“You should rather welcome the army. Together, we shall restore peace in the Niger Delta region and Nigeria at large.”
The COAS commended Dickson for placing security as one of his administration’s top priority and for his continued support to security agencies as well as the provision of modern crime fighting equipment.
Responding, the governor thanked President Buhari and the army command for fulfilling the pledge of setting up the new brigade in the state, noting that it would further strengthen the security architecture of the state.
“As you are aware, our government has a very clear agenda on development, very clear agenda on security and agenda on promoting prosperity. And, none of these can be achieved without first establishing a conducive, peaceful and safe environment,” Dickson said.
