Delta safe oil theft offensive gains momentum as Abia Governor Alex Otti pledges full support to Joint Task Force operations

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, on Tuesday pledged full support to the Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation Delta Safe, in its renewed offensive against crude oil theft and related criminal activities in the Niger Delta region.

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Otti gave the assurance while receiving a delegation of the task force led by its newly appointed Commander, Rear Admiral Olugbenga Oladipo, at the Government House in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inter-agency security collaboration, stressing that protecting oil infrastructure remains critical to safeguarding residents and attracting investment into the state’s economy.

“We have no doubt that we will work together to rid this place of crime and criminality. We need to guarantee that our people can come home, do their business and sleep with their two eyes closed,” Otti said.

He commended the new commander for early operational gains recorded since assuming office in November, noting that understanding the evolving methods of oil theft syndicates was key to dismantling criminal networks.

According to the governor, sustained collaboration among security agencies has helped restore access to previously troubled local government areas that were once affected by banditry at the start of his administration.

Otti disclosed that the state convenes monthly Security Council meetings and has strengthened its internal security framework through its Homeland Security outfit to reinforce stability.

In a decisive move aimed at boosting operations under the Delta Safe Oil Theft Offensive, the governor urged the task force to establish a dedicated operational base in Ukwa West Local Government Area, Abia’s oil-producing hub, promising accommodation and logistics support.

“So what we’ll probably be asking for is for you to have a base here while you maintain your headquarters in Yenagoa. I will provide accommodation and everything required,” he said.

Earlier, Oladipo explained that his visit was to formally introduce himself and deepen operational cooperation with the Abia State Government.

He noted that Operation Delta Safe covers Niger Delta states and parts of the South-East hosting critical oil infrastructure.

The commander stated that although pipeline vandalism has declined due to protection contracts, criminal groups have adopted more sophisticated tactics, including targeting wellheads, deploying drone jammers and chemically adulterating crude oil to produce diesel and benzene.

He assured the state government that the Joint Task Force maintains a 24-hour Quick Response Squad capable of rapid deployment across operational zones.

“We are ready to deploy 24 hours to any state that requires our assistance. We are here for you,” Oladipo said.

In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Navy Captain MacDonald Ubah (retd.), described the new commander as a resourceful officer, expressing confidence that intensified collaboration would significantly curb oil bunkering and related crimes.

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The strengthened partnership signals renewed momentum in efforts to protect Nigeria’s oil assets and improve production levels in line with directives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.