By Samuel Ogude (Warri)
The Joint Task Force Operation under 63 Brigade Command, Nigeria Army, Asaba, the state capital, has been commended for its proactive measures embarked upon in combating violence and other criminal activities in the state. This commendation was made by a group known as Warri Urban Security Network (WUSN). In a statement signed by its Chairman, Chief Frank Akpodiete and the Secretary, Barrister Chinedu Ejiofor respectively and made available to newsmen, the group said, 63 Brigade Commander, Brigadier General David Saraso has done well by ensuring that Joint Task Force embark on their assignments effectively and professionally and urged them to keep the flag flying in this direction.
Part of the statement reads:”We, the members of Warri Urban Security Network(WUSN) thank you for bringing your wealth of experience to bear in ensuring that the JTF Operatives carryout your assignments with utmost professionalism”
The statement added that, the group has taken time to study the security situation in Warri metropolis and its environs which are their coverage areas and other parts of the state saying, they found out that the rate of violence crimes and criminality especially armed robbery, cultism, crude oil theft among others in recent times, has been reduced to the barest minimum. The statement said the inter-ethnic feud between Aladja and Ogbe-Ijaw in Udu and Warri South West Local Government Areas is no more as the people are now able to sleep with their two eyes closed saying, this is as a result of the JTF: Delta Hawk Operations.
Part of the statement reads:”Aladja and Ogbe-Ijaw in Udu and Warri-South West Local Government Areas which were earlier characterized with inter- ethnic feud, now experience peace as the tension has been reduced among the residents because of the presence of JTF under the Delta Hawk Operations .”
The statement said, in addition to this, the deadly cult clashes in Ovwian, Orunwohorun and its environs , their survey has shown, have reduced drastically due to JTF’s quick response to distress calls by affected communities.
The statement added that, the creeks of Warri South and Warri South West where cases of kidnapping, sea pirates and crude oil thefts were rampant are no more adding, it was jointly done with Topolo Security Outfit known as Tantita saying, all to reduce the activities of criminality. According to the statement, many of the flash points (locations) in Warri such as Enerhen Junction, NPA Express Way, Jakpa Road, Warri-Sapele Road, Estate and Deco Roads are now peaceful to a large extent because of the handiwork of the Joint Task force.
The group therefore urged Brigadier General Saraso, Commander of 63 Brigade, Asaba and men and officers working with him to keep on with their good work as this has led to the protection of not only lives and property across the state but have safeguarded and still guarding the nation’s oil installations.