The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force, South South, Operation DELTA STATE, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, has reaffirmed the commitment of troops to conduct operations with firmness, strength, decisiveness, and professionalism in response to the recent gruesome murder of officers and soldiers at Okuama Community in Ughelli South LGA.
According to Acting Deputy Director 6 Division Army Public Relations Lieut. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, during a condolence visit by the Managing Director (MD)/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief (Dr) Samuel Ogbuku, at the Division’s Headquarters in Port Harcourt Barracks today, 21 March 2024, Major General Abdussalam assured that the mission given to troops by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, is primarily to recover the weapons taken by the perpetrators of the heinous crime and ensure the apprehension of all involved parties. He emphasized that troops will persist in their operations until these objectives are achieved.
The GOC emphasized that no amount of propaganda, arm-twisting, blackmailing, intimidation, or false narratives will divert troops from their mission. He assured that operations will adhere to global best practices, respecting rules of engagement and the fundamental human rights of the citizenry. Major General Abdussalam called upon the people of the Niger Delta Region (NDR) to carry on with their daily activities without fear.
He urged communities to cooperate with troops in providing information on the whereabouts of the fleeing criminals and the recovered weapons. Major General Abdussalam stressed that an attack on the Armed Forces of Nigeria is an attack on the nation’s sovereignty, warning that allowing criminals to assault security forces could lead to anarchy.
The GOC reiterated that troops will relentlessly pursue all individuals involved until they are brought to justice. He assured that the operation will deter future attacks on uniformed personnel and dispel false narratives surrounding the criminality.
In expressing gratitude for the NDDC’s support during the visit, Major General Abdussalam highlighted the essential link between peace, security, and development. He called for continued collaboration between the military and civil society for the betterment of society.
Chief Samuel Ogbuku of the NDDC, while offering condolences, emphasized the crucial role of peace in fostering development in the Niger Delta Region. He condemned the recent violence, affirming that the region has long embraced peace and dialogue. Chief Ogbuku called for unity among stakeholders to support the military in bringing the perpetrators to justice and ensuring that innocent civilians are not harmed during operations.
The MD assured ongoing prayers and support for the families affected by the tragedy and expressed confidence in the professionalism of the Nigerian Army in handling the situation.
