Chiemelie Ezeobi
Operation AWATSE (a Hausa word for scatter), a joint task force comprising the Armed Forces and elements of the paramilitary, yesterday, launched Operation Secured Line, a maritime offshoot aimed at curbing pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft.
THISDAY gathered that the operation was launched to rejig the security architecture to safeguard the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) pipeline from Atlas Cove to Ijegun, which would soon be re-opened.
The pipeline had been shut down for about six months after it was vandalised, hence the repair that took place on the affected parts.
With its re-opening looming, Operation Secured Line was kicked off to further solidify the gains of the JTF in battling vandalism and crude oil theft in Lagos and Ogun creeks and backwaters.
The operation was kicked off by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command (WNC), Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Tarkwa Bay.
Hassan was joined by the Commander NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, who also doubles as Maritime Component Commander; WNC Fleet Commander, Commodore Victor Choji; Land Component Commander, Brigadier General Adegoke Adetuyi;
Air Component Commander, Air Commodore Olasunkanmi Abu; WNC Operations Officer, Commodore NS Lakan; Head, Anti Vandal, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, ACC AJ Musa; as well as representatives of the Department of State Security Services (DSS) and the NNPC.
Stressing that the synergy between the task force was topnotch, the FOC said the joint patrol means the three arms of services will pull resources and manpower together to tackle the menace of pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft.
Lamenting that pipeline vandalism constitutes wanton destruction of strategic assets and economic sabotage of the Federal Government of Nigeria, Rear Admiral Hassan, however said the Nigerian Armed Forces through Op AWATSE and the NN via anti-pipeline vandalism efforts have made appreciable progress in curbing the menace.
However, he added that despite emplacing measures and initiatives, pipeline vandalism and theft of petroleum products is still being perpetrated, especially where the pipeline traverses remote areas.
He said: “I stand before you today with a deep sense of purpose and determination as we embark on a crucial mission to safeguard the integrity of our nation’s vital assets.
“The issue of pipeline vandalism has persisted, causing not only economic losses but also environmental degradation and health hazards. It is imperative that we address this menace with unwavering resolve.
“Today marks the commencement of Operation Secured Line, an Initiative aimed at curbing pipeline vandalism in Lagos and Ogun states.
“This operation is a testament to our commitment to ensuring the uninterrupted flow of refined petroleum products and, by extension, the economic prosperity of our great nation.
“The vandals and thieves who seek to disrupt the Secured Line of these essential resources will face stringent measures. Operation Secured Line embodies our determination to deny these perpetrators the freedom to compromise the well-being of our people and the economic stability of Nigeria.
Having recognised the need for continued vigilance, the FOC said they would periodically review their progress to ensure effectiveness and address challenges hindering the desired goal.
Calling on the communities in Lagos and Ogun states to support this operation actively by providing intelligence, he said it would build a Nigeria where the Secured Line of resources is undisturbed, where economic prosperity thrives, and where the actions of a few cannot jeopardise the well- being of the many.
In another development, the FOC commended the speed at which the newly launched Operation Water Guard, has yielded considerable results barely a day after its inauguration.
Launched last Thursday, the operation which was targeted at smuggling across the borders, saw the arrest and seizure of three boats laden with stolen petroleum products.
He said: “We launched Operation Water Guard just this Thursday and we have arrested about three boats around 2.35 am on November 10, 2023.
“The vandals or saboteurs decided to tweak their plan a bit. Since we are dominating the Badagry area, they decided to go seawards to circumvent the Badagry forces, but the quick reaction team planted all around the Badagry coast to Epe axis and I have an eye at sea. I use electro-optical devices and air assets, yielded results.
“We have over 500 50 litre jerry cans arrested, which was about 25,000 litres. We have made our arrests today and we will not relent until they see that we are serious.
“We will continue to arrest. Once they know that we are dominating, they might want to explore other avenues perhaps the land borders. I have spoken to the General Officer Commanding 81 Division about that possibility and we will still take action against them.”
Rear Admiral Hassan said they are harnessing all available intelligence to get to the kingpins, suppliers, middlemen and buyers of the smuggled products.
