A new commander has taken charge of the Joint Task Force (JTF), ‘Operation Delta Safe’ in the Niger Delta.
He is Rear Admiral Noel Madugu, who on Friday took over the baton from Rear Admiral John Okeke, who has been redeployed to Abuja.
The ceremony took place at the JTF headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State
At the ceremony, Rear Admiral Madugu, thanked the outgoing commander for his leadership style, assuring that he will add a proactive approach to curb all forms of criminality and criminal networks.
He said: “A mandate has been given to us by the federal government, we must sustain the fight against crude oil theft and any form of illegality in the oil industry.
“So the mandate is for us to achieve at least 2.5 million barrels per day of oil output, which the former commander has done his best. But, I assure the public and the government that we will strive hard to achieve that task given to us.
“The former commander did a lot of things, including the host community relationship building on the task of boosting crude oil production.
“It was low but it is high as he is handing over to me. So the momentum will be kept, so that we sustain the fight against crude oil theft and to ensure that the mandate of 2.5 to 3 million barrels per day is achieved.”
Read also: How we pushed oil output from 1.2 to 1.83mbpd – JTF Commander
Rear Admiral Madugu disclosed that he will strengthen the synergy and coercion among the various units, components and formations of the task force for effective results.
The outgoing commander, Rear Admiral Okeke, expressed his gratitude to officers and men of the JTF, for the support and cooperation they extended to him during his tenure as the commander.
He said: “Your professionalism and dedication to telling the story of our operations have been invaluable in promoting awareness and understanding of our mission.
“I am proud to say that together, we have made significant progress in maintaining peace and security in our joint operations area.
“As I hand over the reins to my successor, I urge you to extend the same level of cooperation and support to him.
“Your role in shaping the narrative of our operations is crucial, and I have no doubt that you will continue to do so with the same level of excellence.”
